Chris Sims has already made waves within the NBC social team, while Pro Football is exploring potential scoop opportunities.
During a recent conversation with his father, Chris was hopeful that his dad would be open to allowing Abdul Carter to wear his retired number 11 jersey.
Then, unexpectedly, he received a call from his sister, Deirdre.
“(She remarked) ‘I thought you were on my side. Forget it; I don’t want to chat anymore,’” Chris recounted on “PFT Live With Mike Florio” on Monday.
“That’s when I realized that, um, my mom and sister were really involved here, and they probably had more sway than me and my brother (Matt).
Phil asked Chris if there was any way to sway his mother and sister’s opinions, but ultimately, the women triumphed, and No. 11 will remain retired at MetLife Stadium.
Carter is still on the hunt for a jersey number for his rookie season after being denied by both Lawrence Taylor and now Sims.
“I could tell they were quite upset. I think there may have even been some tears. I don’t want to embarrass my mom or sister, but it shows how much it means to them,” Chris noted. “And, combined with the number of people telling my dad, ‘Don’t give your number away,’ I think he was taken aback by it all.
The saga began when Phil mentioned on Fanduel TV that he wouldn’t mind giving Carter the No. 11 jersey.
Carter wore No. 11 during his time in Pennsylvania.
Chris said he had no issue with it but suggested that Taylor contact him first to avoid any possible fallout.
Taylor stated that Carter wanted to make his own history with a unique number.
Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reached out to Mike Florio, Chris’ co-host, to obtain Phil’s number, which allowed various agents to get in touch with the former quarterback. Even the Giants’ general manager, Joe Shane, made inquiries to Giants legends.
However, Phil’s wife and daughter weren’t supportive of the idea.
“My dad texted me, saying, ‘Your mom and sister are really against this. I don’t know if I can do it,'” Chris shared. “I told him, ‘It’s your number, do what you want.’
In a text, he mentioned needing help to persuade his sister. It seemed he didn’t expect the resistance from both his mother and sister, which changed his perspective.
Chris isn’t sure how his brother voted but suspects he sided with their mother and sister.
Even if Matt had voted with Chris, he felt that their votes didn’t carry the same weight.
“I found out about my dad’s decision after he tweeted it,” Chris said.
“He understands the consequences of dismissing their feelings, especially my sister’s. She can be pretty tough. She loves football and the Giants but is very resolute when it comes to my dad.”
Although Carter won’t sport the No. 11, Chris emphasized that the Sims family stands behind him.
“We’re cheering for Abdul Carter, that’s a given,” Chris said. “He may not wear No. 11, but he could always be honorary in the Sims family or part of the No. 11 club.”
