Boomer Esiason has finally broken his silence regarding his unexpected departure from CBS Sports.
In a recent revelation on his daily radio show, the former NFL MVP and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback disclosed that both he and Phil Simms were no longer part of the network’s NFL pregame show.
Having been a fixture on ‘The NFL Today’ for an impressive 22 years, Esiason held the title of the show’s longest-serving analyst. While his tenure at CBS Sports may have come to an end, Esiason will continue to host a New York sports talk radio show, which will also be simulcast on CBS Sports Network.
During an interview on The Dan LeBatard Show, Esiason candidly admitted:
“I was more than happy to step aside. I had my time there. I loved that seat. I cherished that seat, I cherished talking to football fans every Sunday, but there comes a time when you have to find some time for yourself. And this was the right time.”
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CBS Sports wasted no time in naming former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as Esiason’s replacement, a decision that was announced on Monday. Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP, retired from the league last week after going unsigned in 2023. He joined CBS a year ago and served as an in-game commentator for the network during the previous season.
David Berson, CBS Sports president and CEO, expressed gratitude for Esiason and Simms’ significant contributions, stating, “Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts. We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports. We genuinely thank them for being incredible teammates and for their passion, dedication, and commitment to elevating CBS Sports’ NFL coverage every season.”
The decision to part ways with Esiason and Simms drew scrutiny from ESPN and YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay, who openly questioned the rationale behind the move, particularly in relation to the analysts’ age. Kay highlighted the potential risks associated with dismissing individuals solely based on their age and speculated about the network’s future plans.
As the dust settles, Esiason and Simms embark on new chapters, leaving behind a legacy of excellence at CBS Sports.
