No one has love of the game or a strong arm like new Warrior Quarterback Matt Simms.
Simms transferred in the spring to EC from the University of Louisville Kentucky because his situation didn’t go as he hoped it would there.
Last season, there was a controversial issue with a photo involving Simms at a party that landed on the Internet which caused Simms to be suspended for the first four games. “I was 18, and was having fun,” said Simms.
According to an ESPN article, Simms was the backup to the starter this season.
Because of the suspension, and according to the Courier-Journal, Simms did not understand why he had not been named the top candidate to be the starting quarterback in 2009. Although Simms decided to transfer, he has a fresh start, and he has also earned the starting role under center.
Simms started playing Football in the 4th grade in Pop Warner leagues. He was inspired to play Football because he watched his older brother Chris play.
Simms is the son of retired NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Phil Simms, notably of the New York Giants. His brother Chris is a backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Simms was born in Burton County, New Jersey where he also attended Don Bosco Prep High School and played football.
Although Simms shares the passion for football just like his father and brother, growing up in the spotlight of an NFL family was different for him.
“We were not a typical family. Always hearing criticism about my father and brother. Just have to live with it, its part of the game,” Simms said.

By transferring to a community college from a university, Simms has a good attitude and doesn’t focus on where he is playing, just as long as he is playing the game. The transition was easy for Simms, just different for him to adjust to his surroundings. “It worked out well,” Phil said. “Good kids, good coaches. Its no matter where you play, its playing.”
Matt heard of EC through a number of people, including his father Phil who brought it to his attention.
“It was a group decision for Matt to come (to EC). The college has both football and academics that fit well into one,” Phil said.

Simms expectations for this season is to have fun, play well, and get good grades. Simms looks very focused on playing the game and is looking forward to having a good season. Simms also gets along good with his new teammates.
“So far its really great. There are great people on the team,” Matt said.
Simms expects for the team to stay focused and play one game at a time. Other than having friends on the team, Simms has support from his family and friends back home.
“My friends played football too. They played with me in high school,” Matt said.

Simms used his talent in leading the team to victory in Saturday’s game against L.A. Southwest College, Simms first game as quarterback for Coach John Featherstone’s Warriors. The Warriors defeated the Cougars 46-12.
Featherstone said he couldn’t have be happier to have Simms plaingy on the team, especially for Saturday’s game.
“Matt played a solid game. He played a hard, dominating game,” Featherstone said.

Featherstone considered Simms to be on the team not only because of his talent on the field, but because of his character. “My first impression is always what counts. He shook hands first. He is honest, and you can tell that he wants to be a leader. Very coachable, and doesn’t mind constructive criticism,” Featherstone said.

Featherstone heard of Simms from Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Mortensen was a student-journalist at EC. Mortensen called Featherstone and told him that Simms was interested in the Torrance campus

Simms is taking over for Jimmy Coy, who commanded the Warrior offense last season. Featherstone sees the same similarities in both Simms and Coy.
“They are both winners and both leaders. They like to win games,” Featherstone said.

Ideally, Simms would love to major in Sports Administration, a course not offered at EC, leaving Simms to turn to Liberal Studies.

Although Simms is starting this season, this will be his lone one in a Warrior uniform. Simms has plans to transfer after the fall, but has not made a decision as to where to further his education.

Everyone has high expectations for Simms while at EC.
“I hope he does well in college. It is important for after football,” Phil said.