CBS announced that former quarterbacks Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will not be returning for the 2024 NFL season. Instead, Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt will be joining the network as full-timers. Ryan called games for CBS last year, while Watt made appearances throughout the 2023 season. Simms, a New York Giants legend, acknowledged that he saw the writing on the wall regarding his departure and admitted that he was not surprised by the decision. Despite his love for the job, Simms expressed his willingness to move on to new opportunities.
Simms revealed that he had not heard from anyone at the network for a couple of months after his contract expired, indicating to him that a change was imminent. He had been the main color commentator for CBS alongside Jim Nantz until being replaced by Tony Romo in 2017 and then moving to the studio. Simms had been with CBS for 26 years and was a key figure in the Giants’ first Super Bowl victory in 1986, where he set several NFL records. Despite his successful tenure with the network, Simms accepted the decision and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in sports broadcasting.
Boomer Esiason, another former quarterback who will not be returning to CBS for the 2024 NFL season, has not made any public statements regarding the network’s decision. However, it is clear that CBS is making changes to its lineup in an effort to bring in new talent, with Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt being brought on as full-time commentators. Esiason, who had been with the network for an extended period, will be stepping away from his broadcasting duties moving forward.
Matt Ryan, one of the new full-timers for CBS, expressed his excitement about joining the network as a commentator. Having called games for CBS last year, Ryan is familiar with the broadcasting environment and is eager to work alongside his colleagues in a new capacity. J.J. Watt, who made appearances on CBS throughout the 2023 season, will also be joining as a full-time commentator, adding his insights and expertise to the network’s coverage of NFL games. The addition of Ryan and Watt to the CBS lineup signals a new era for the network’s sports broadcasting team.
Overall, the changes at CBS reflect the competitive nature of the sports broadcasting industry, with networks constantly seeking to improve their coverage and bring in new talent. While Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will not be returning for the 2024 NFL season, Matt Ryan and J.J. Watt are set to take on full-time roles as commentators. Despite the changes, Simms and Esiason have expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they had at CBS and are embracing the chance to explore new ventures. The network’s decision to revamp its lineup highlights the dynamic nature of sports broadcasting and the ongoing quest for fresh perspectives and voices in the industry.
