Former New York Giants great Phil Simms is content with his NFL career. In 1993 when the Dan Reeves Giants decided he was no longer in their plans, he could have moved on to another team as so many quarterbacks have done in their careers, but wisely chose not to.
Simms had offers from the Cleveland and the Cardinals, but decided that 15 years — all with the Giants — was enough. His family was entrenched in New Jersey and didn’t want to be uprooted for what would likely be a short run somewhere else.
“That was the main reason why I didn’t go,” Simms said, via NJ Advance Media. “Looking back, I kind of go, ‘OK, if I had kept playing for another year or two, maybe my body would’ve taken a few too many hits.’ So I’m lucky that I feel good.”
That was still back in the day when quarterbacks were not as protected as they are today. Since then, many quarterbacks have gone on to second acts. Peyton Manning left the Colts and went on to lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl. His little brother, Eli, has chosen not to follow in his footsteps. So far, that is.
Not the same could be said for the 43-year-old Tom Brady, who still itches to play. His New England Patriots career, which has brought him six Super Bowl rings, apparently was not enough. He continues on now in Tampa, where hopes to do what the elder Manning did in leading a second franchise to a championship.
Simms believes Brady just might be able to pull that feat off.
“Tampa Bay was a really good choice,” Simms said. “He went to a team that lost a lot close games last year, that has some receivers. The coaching staff is going to be an entirely different thing for him, how they deal with players and treat [them]. It just stimulates you, I think, as a person and as an athlete.
“I think they can do really well. It’s got the makings of a team that can turn it around this year. Tom Brady is going to get rid of the ball quicker than Jameis Winston did. Brady will check it down and wait for the [deep] shot, where Jameis would just wait for the shot too many times. That’s the facts.”
Brady’s decision to keep on playing has stimulated other veterans as well. Drew Brees has inked a two-year extension with the Saints. Philip Rivers owns every career Chargers passing record imaginable, but he’s not ready to cash in his chips, either. He took the Colts’ money and will try to get to a Super Bowl for the first time in his illustrious career.
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