Could the rejection from Tom Brady (and FOX) open doors for another legendary quarterback?
Phil Simms, the two-time Super Bowl champion for the New York Giants, certainly hopes so as he expresses interest in calling more NFL games this year, especially the two Netflix Christmas matchups.
“Yes,” Simms replied on WFAN when asked about covering the games. “If they approach me, I’d take about one second to think it over and say, ‘I’ll do it.’”
The December 25 games will feature the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m.
According to The New York Post, Netflix initially pursued Brady and his broadcasting partner Kevin Burkhardt, FOX Sports’ top duo, but FOX turned them down. Now, Netflix is reportedly looking at CBS Sports’ Ian Eagle and Nate Burleson, NBC Sports’ Noah Eagle, and FOX Sports’ Greg Olsen, with FOX considering letting Olsen participate. Former NFL player Taylor Lewan has also mentioned being on Netflix’s “shortlist.”
Simms, whose contract with CBS Sports was not renewed, is eager to be considered as well, even if he acknowledges that his age (68) might make him less appealing.
“I’ve mentioned that I’d love to do it, and then I hear that they want this person and that person,” Simms said, according to Awful Announcing. “While doing preseason games for the Giants, I realized, ‘Wow, I really enjoy this.’
“If they ask me, I’m absolutely going to say yes. I’m just not sure they will because of my age and the idea that ‘we need fresh faces.’ We’ll see.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix has invested $ 150 million for the two games.
Simms dedicated the past 26 years to CBS in different NFL analyst positions. At 68, he clearly believes his career isn’t finished yet; he recently contributed to the “Thursday Night Football” radio broadcast during the Giants’ game against the Dallas Cowboys.
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