A native of Springfield, Ky., Simms was named the 1977 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and finished his career at Morehead State with 5,545 passing yards and 32 touchdowns.
Simms, taken seventh overall, was Hall of Fame general manager George Young's first draft choice in 1979. He played his entire 15-year career with the Giants, overcoming a series of injuries early on to become the most productive quarterback in team history not named Eli Manning.
Simms held the Giants career records for pass attempts (4,647), completions (2,576), yards (33,462), and touchdowns (199). He is best remembered for his almost flawless performance in leading the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXI. He completed 22 of 25 passes – including all 10 of his throws in the second half – for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 39–20 rout of the Denver Broncos. In one of the easiest votes in history, he was selected the game's Most Valuable Player.
Simms was inducted into the Morehead State Athletic Hall of Fame in October 1995 and Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. His numbers are retired by both the Giants (11) and MSU (12). In celebration of the franchise's 100th season, Simms was voted No. 11 on the Top 100 Players in Giants History.
"We are excited to welcome alumni back to campus during Homecoming 2025," said Dr. Jay Morgan, MSU President. "Homecoming is always a great reminder that the Morehead State experience lasts a lifetime, and this honorary naming in recognition of Phil Simms' lifetime commitment to his alma mater will be the premier event of the weekend."