Giants Legend Reveals Take on Hall of Fame Candidacy

As the New York Giants watch rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s every move, optimism is rampant. One day, the fanbase hopes he can match the merits of the icons before him.

Two quarterbacks have separated themselves in the annals of Giants history: Phil Simms and Eli Manning. Neither, however, is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This recently came into view when Manning learned his first-ballot fate in February. His two Super Bowls (and corresponding Super Bowl MVPs) weren’t quite enough to get into Canton.

On Tuesday, Simms spoke about his own chances at enshrinement, joining Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” about whether he should have had his day of celebration.

"I never think about it," Simms told Adams. "I don’t deserve to be in it. Maybe if I wouldn’t have got hurt in some of my career, things like that. Maybe I should have got when they asked me to be the alternate for the Pro Bowl and they called me and I said, 'Man I’m not coming I’ve already turned that off' and whatever. So I probably could have been five (to) Pro Bowls, maybe all that would have helped."

Ultimately, Simms finished his career with two Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls. His 33,462 yards and 199 touchdowns both rank second in team history, behind Manning.

Simms was the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year and, in his last season, a down-ballot candidate for the league MVP. His success in between those campaigns was rarely dominant, something he shares with Manning.

"I don’t want to say I don’t care,” Simms said. “I don’t deserve to be in, and I’m fine with that. Honestly, winning the damn Super Bowls, I got something out of all this."

In East Rutherford, though, Simms is still celebrated. He’s in the ring of honor and, as first-round edge rusher Abdul Carter knows, his No. 11 is retired.

Simms is a beloved member of the organization’s past and has enjoyed a successful post-playing career. Canton isn’t in the cards, but Super Bowl wins are forever, meaning he’ll always have a place with the Giants.