PointsBet on Thursday announced a partnership with NBC football analyst Chris Simms, who will “create unique and authentic betting content” for the Australian-bred sportsbook operator, which has its U.S. headquarters in Denver.
Like his father, Phil, Simms played quarterback in the NFL, including a three-game stint with the Broncos to conclude his career. According to a press release, his role with PointsBet will include “in-depth film breakdowns on teams and players, offering greater insight for those looking to bet on NFL games and player props.” Simms will also incorporate a weekly sports betting segment into his podcast, Chris Simms Unbuttoned.
Simms is the second ex-NFL quarterback and current NBC analyst to joint PointsBet’s roster of ambassadors, following the signing of Drew Brees. It just so happens that, earlier this week, PointsBet rolled out a new commercial featuring Brees summiting a mountain with a group of friends. As they acknowledge their achievement with an ebullient group hug, they’re transported to a sports bar, where it’s revealed that they’re actually just celebrating a successful single-game parlay.
With two quarterbacks on its roster, PointsBet might be wise to add a third, especially given Brees’ advanced age and the inherent risks involved in mountain climbing. It’s notable that NBC Sports has on its broadcasting roster a third former NFL quarterback, Doug Flutie, whom the similarly undersized Brees idolized and backed up during his rookie year with the San Diego Chargers.
.@drewbrees tried to emulate @DougFlutie:
"He invented the back shoulder throw. He was doing that before anyone was talking about it & doesn't get credit for it… I don't have those records if not for Doug Flutie." pic.twitter.com/vkiHzWwlXu
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 23, 2021
The recent legalization of single-game wagering in Canada would also make Flutie, who won three Grey Cups in the CFL before sticking stateside, an intriguing pick, as PointsBet is in the process of ramping up its operations north of the border.