Boomer Esiason, a four-time Pro Bowler and member of the Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor, has announced his departure from CBS amid changes to the network’s pregame show, “The NFL Today.” Along with Esiason, Phil Simms will also not be returning to the show, and will be replaced by Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt. Ryan, who retired from the NFL last month, will join the show after calling games for CBS last season. The new “NFL Today” crew will also include James Brown as host, along with Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.
Esiason, who is 63 years old, expressed satisfaction with his time at CBS but felt that it was the right moment to move on from the network. During an interview, Esiason reflected on his time on the show, saying, “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.” Despite his departure from CBS, Esiason will continue to work with his co-host Gregg Giannotti at the radio station. He chose not to announce his exit during the network’s Super Bowl coverage earlier this year, but is looking forward to enjoying a better work-life balance.
Throughout his time at CBS, Esiason said he never received any pushback from the network regarding his opinions or criticisms of controversial topics in the NFL. He emphasized that he had a positive experience working at CBS and holds no ill will toward anyone at the network. Esiason also mentioned that he felt it was a natural decision to leave after Sean McManus, the CBS Sports chairman who hired him in 2002, announced his retirement. After 22 years at the network, Esiason highlighted the demanding nature of his role, stating, “I have not had a weekend in 40 years.” Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work at CBS.
In light of Esiason’s departure, the upcoming season of “The NFL Today” will feature a new lineup of hosts and analysts. Alongside James Brown, Nate Burleson, and Bill Cowher, Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt will bring fresh perspectives to the show. Ryan, who recently retired from the NFL, will contribute his insights after transitioning from playing to broadcasting. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will also provide valuable commentary and analysis. With these changes, CBS aims to keep the show engaging and informative for football fans.
Despite leaving his role at CBS, Esiason remains grateful for the experiences and opportunities he had during his time at the network. He expressed his appreciation for the support he received from colleagues and producers, emphasizing that he enjoyed his time there. Esiason’s decision to step away from CBS was motivated by a desire to prioritize his personal time and achieve a better work-life balance. As he moves on to new endeavors, Esiason looks back fondly on his time in the broadcasting industry and is grateful for the relationships he built throughout his career.
