Longtime Saints Equipment Manager Simmons Retires; Panthers' Dayton Recognized By CBS

Longtime Saints Equipment Manager DAN SIMMONS "worked his final game for the club" during the team's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers yesterday, ending a career "that spanned more than four decades with the organization," according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. No employee "has been with the Saints longer" than the 68-year-old Simmons, who joined the Saints in '73. His retirement "was kept under wraps publicly and slipped under the radar to those outside the organization" until a tweet from Saints VP/Communications GREG BENSEL recognized Simmons. His 42-year tenure with the club "spanned nine head coaches and six interim head coaches." Simmons, who worked two years for the Cardinals before joining the Saints, was "universally revered by players and coaches for his loyalty and work ethic" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 12/29).

DAYTON WORKS LAST REGULAR-SEASON GAME: CBS’ Jim Nantz noted Panthers PR Dir CHARLIE DAYTON worked the final regular-season game of his "magnificent career" yesterday during the team's 34-3 win over the Falcons. Dayton is a "legend in the PR business around the NFL” since entering the league in '76 with the expansion Buccaneers. Nantz said, “He's going to be the club historian from this point forward, and he is beloved around the league. We wish him well in his new role with the franchise. So appreciative of all the behind-the-scenes stuff he's done for so many people through the years in the media.” CBS’ Phil Simms said, “Best thing you can say about a PR person in public relations is, ‘They get it done.’ And he does” (“Panthers-Falcons,” CBS, 12/28).