MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Football fans at Morehead State University will soon have a new name for the stadium. One of Morehead State University's most famous alums, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Phil Simms (Class of 2015), will have MSU's football stadium named in his honor. The official dedication ceremony will take place during Homecoming 2025.
The naming ceremony for Phil Simms Stadium will be held outside the stadium at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 18. MSU invites the public to attend.
Simms, a Springfield, Kentucky native, came to Morehead State from Louisville Southern High School in 1974. In 1977, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and finished his career at Morehead State with 5,545 passing years and 32 touchdowns passing. In addition to being named OVC Player of the Year, he was an All-OVC First-Team selection.
The New York Giants drafted him seventh overall in the 1979 NFL Draft. Simms played 14 seasons with the NFL's New York Giants, earning Super Bowl MVP in 1987. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Morehead State inducted Simms into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.
"Phil Simms has remained loyal to MSU throughout the years," said
Kelly Wells (Class of 1995), MSU Director of Athletics. "He has given MSU his time, talent, and treasure to MSU since his days as a college athlete. He has visited Morehead during the summers to host summer camps for young athletes and encouraged them to consider MSU.
He has mentored MSU coaches and players throughout the years. Most notable, he has hosted numerous fundraising events and personally contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the football program." added Wells. "This recognition is most deserving and long overdue."
In May 2015, 36 years after leaving MSU to play professional football, he returned to campus for his Bachelor of University Studies degree. MSU's Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences awarded his degree in University Studies. Simultaneously, MSU presented Simms with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree to recognize his lifetime of service to the University.
Simms joined CBS Sports in 1998 as a lead analyst for the CBS Television Network's coverage of the NFL. He was also a studio analyst and co-host for ESPN and lead NFL analyst for NBC Sports. Simms continues to be active in the sports world in multiple ways.
"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."
The historical naming of Jayne Stadium, originally named after the late professor William LeGrande Jayne, will remain present with an honorary plaque inside the stadium entrance.
The complete schedule of events is now available online at
2025 Homecoming festivities.
For additional information please visit www.msueagles.com.
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