Super Bowl XXI MVP and CBS Sports NFL analyst Phil Simms is giving much more than his name to New Jersey’s North/South All-Star football game

PISCATAWAY, NJ – The younger generation knows Phil Simms as the voice on EA Sports Madden video game and the lead analyst every Sunday on CBS Sports NFL coverage.  The older generation, especially in New Jersey, knows Simms as the man who had a near perfect performance in Super Bowl XXI giving the New York Giants the franchises first Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The 35-year resident of the Garden State calls it an honor to have the North/South high school football all-star game have his name attached to it.  “I come from Kentucky, but I’ve lived in New Jersey for a big part of my life,” Simms said.  “My family grew up here, my wife is from here and my kids played high school football here.  This game really used to be THE game, and that’s what we want to make it again.”

The graduated high school seniors got the opportunity to practice at both the New York Giants and New York Jets practice facilities leading up to the game.  In addition to Simms, two time NFL MVP Joe Theismann was on hand along with former Giants nose tackle Jim Burt and former Jets offensive lineman Dave Szott, who all had MVP awards named after them.

Longtime Caldwell High coach Ken Trimmer is the game director and recruited the Franklin Lakes resident to not only put his name on the game, but be involved in improving the annual showcase.  Simms is determined to attract the top talent in New Jersey to play in the all-star showcase.  He told Shore Sports Zone that he was taking notes throughout the three days leading up to the game and promises to improve the event for the players, coaches and families associated with the event.

The South All-Stars won the 2014 Phil Simms Classic with a 20-14 win over the North.