With the blockbuster news that Tony Romo would be retiring from the NFL in lieu of a shiny, new CBS broadcasting career, questions started being asked almost immediately about what would happen to current mainstay Phil Simms, with many assuming he’d be fired or step down.
But it look like that won’t be the case.
Per NorthJersey.com‘s Tara Sullivan, Simms’ agent Steve Rosner is vehemently denying Simms has been fired, while acknowledging they don’t know exactly whats going to happen yet:
“Absolutely not. He has multiple years left on his contract. I’ve had a few brief discussions with CBS in regard to the future and we have decided at the moment that we will regroup within the next month or so and figure out what his future role will be.”
CBS themselves responded to the questions as well, while not committing to Simms future; they were very complimentary of everything he’d done at the company:
“As we welcome Tony, we want to acknowledge Phil Simms who served as our lead NFL analyst for nearly 20 years. Phil has been a very important part of our coverage since the NFL returned to CBS in 1998. His strong opinions, coupled with his tremendous knowledge and passion for the National Football League, has created a unique broadcasting style making him one of the best analysts to ever call the game. We are discussing with Phil his future role with CBS Sports. We cannot thank him enough for the way he has represented himself and CBS Sports during his tenure as CBS’s lead NFL analyst.”
This sounds like a very nicely-worded eulogy for Simms before carrying him out to pasture.
If you listen to the statement CBS released about acquiring Romo, you see the writing appears to be on the wall for Simms, regardless of the sweet nothings being dropped about his past:
“Tony has been one of the NFL’s biggest stars for the past decade, and we are thrilled to welcome him to CBS Sports,” CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said. “He will bring the same passion, enthusiasm and knowledge that he displayed on the field to the broadcast booth. He brings a fresh and insightful perspective to our viewers having just stepped off the field. We know Tony will quickly develop into a terrific analyst, and alongside Jim Nantz, will become a must-listen for fans each week.”
This sounds like you’re stuck on an expiring lease, living with your old spouse, while moving your new one in at the same time.