Phil Simms and Desmond Howard have both enjoyed successful post-football careers as broadcasters. Despite their shared experiences as Super Bowl MVPs and sports analysts, their relationship has not always been friendly. In 2011, Simms allegedly threatened to punch Howard over a comment about his son, leading to a public dispute that even involved the police. This article explores their football careers, broadcasting success, and the heated confrontation that briefly made headlines. Throughout, we’ll also examine Phil Simms net worth, which reflects his long-standing success in the sports media industry.
Phil Simms: A Football Icon Turned CBS Broadcaster
Phil Simms was drafted by the New York Giants as the seventh overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. His career as a quarterback spanned 15 seasons, during which he became one of the most respected players in the league. He earned two Pro Bowl selections (1985 and 1993) and was instrumental in leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories. His performance in Super Bowl XXI, where he threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns, earned him the MVP title.
Following his retirement, Simms transitioned into broadcasting, joining CBS Sports in 1998. Over the years, he built a strong reputation as an analyst, working alongside prominent figures such as Greg Gumbel and Jim Nantz. Since 2017, he has been a key part of The NFL Today, further cementing his legacy in sports media. With such an extensive career in both football and television, it’s no surprise that Phil Simms net worth has grown significantly over the years.
Desmond Howard: From Heisman Trophy Winner to ESPN Star
Desmond Howard made his mark in college football, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1991 while playing for the University of Michigan. His explosive ability as a receiver and return specialist made him a top prospect, leading to his selection as the fourth overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team.
While Howard never became a dominant wide receiver in the NFL, his skills as a returner were exceptional. He led the league in punt return yards and touchdowns in 1996, a year that saw him help the Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XXXI. His 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in that game earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the only special teams player to win the award.
Howard transitioned into broadcasting after his playing days, joining ESPN in 2005. As a key member of College GameDay, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in college football analysis. His success on television, combined with his playing career, has contributed significantly to his financial success. However, when discussing the top earners in sports broadcasting, Phil Simms net worth is among the most impressive.
The Incident: Phil Simms Allegedly Threatens to Punch Desmond Howard
Despite both finding success in sports media, Simms and Howard clashed in 2011 over a comment made by Howard about Simms’ son, Matt Simms, who was a quarterback at the University of Tennessee.
Howard, known for his straightforward analysis, criticized Matt Simms’ performance in the SEC, labeling him as one of the worst quarterbacks in the conference. This did not sit well with Phil Simms, who confronted Howard at the NFL Experience event. According to Howard, Simms threatened to punch him over the remark.
Howard took to Twitter to share the details, writing,
“Phil Simms just threatened to hit me at NFL-Xperience because I said his son was among the worst quarterbacks in the SEC.”
I told him ‘LET’S GO!’”
Howard added,
“I take the Phil Simms situation very seriously. We all thought he was joking, but he kept going and said he wanted 2 take a swing at me!!”
The situation escalated to the point where security and police had to step in, allowing Howard to continue his fan appearance without further incident.
Simms later addressed the confrontation in an interview on Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Radio, publicly apologizing and admitting that he handled the situation poorly. He acknowledged that in today’s social media-driven world, such disputes can quickly become public knowledge.
“It’s over,” Simms said. “I’m sorry. I really, I mean this, I’m sorry it happened. I really am because even if it remained private, there’s still nothing gained. So I’ve learned another lesson.”
While Simms claimed there was “no chance” of an actual physical altercation, he admitted that he needed to be more mindful of his reactions. Despite this brief moment of tension, both men continued their careers in sports media without any lasting consequences. Given his longevity in broadcasting and football, Phil Simms net worth remains impressive even after this controversy.
The Legacy of Phil Simms and Desmond Howard in Sports Media
Both Phil Simms and Desmond Howard have had successful second careers in television, becoming household names for football fans. Simms’ expertise in NFL analysis and Howard’s deep knowledge of college football have made them trusted voices in the industry.
Despite their on-air success, the confrontation in 2011 serves as a reminder that personal connections can sometimes interfere with professional responsibilities. Howard was simply doing his job by providing honest analysis, while Simms, as a father, naturally wanted to defend his son.
With over two decades in broadcasting, Simms has solidified his place as a respected voice in the industry. His ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing media landscape has significantly contributed to Phil Simms net worth, which continues to grow through his CBS contract and media appearances.
Phil Simms’ Net Worth Compared to Other Sports Broadcasters
When discussing financial success in sports broadcasting, Phil Simms is among the highest-paid analysts in the industry. With an estimated Phil Simms net worth of around $16 million, he has built a lucrative career post-football.
For comparison, here’s how his net worth stacks up against other top sports broadcasters:
- Tony Romo – Estimated net worth: $70 million (CBS’ highest-paid analyst)
- Troy Aikman – Estimated net worth: $65 million (ESPN’s lead NFL analyst)
- Al Michaels – Estimated net worth: $40 million (Legendary play-by-play announcer)
- Desmond Howard – Estimated net worth: $14 million (ESPN college football analyst)
While Simms may not be at the very top, his financial success remains significant, especially considering his long tenure at CBS. His earnings stem from his playing days, broadcasting contracts, and various endorsements over the years.
Final Thoughts:
More than a decade has passed since the confrontation, and it appears that both Simms and Howard have put the incident behind them. They have continued to thrive in their respective roles and remain highly regarded in the world of sports media.
While emotions ran high that day in 2011, the situation ultimately served as a learning moment for Simms. His ability to acknowledge his mistake and move forward has only reinforced his reputation as a professional. At the same time, Howard’s willingness to stand by his analysis showcases his commitment to honest reporting.
At the end of the day, both men are football legends in their own right, each with an impressive career in broadcasting. And as they continue to share their expertise with fans, one thing is certain—Phil Simms net worth and his impact on football will continue to grow for years to come.
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