Boomer Esiason, a four-time Pro Bowler and Cincinnati Bengals Ring of Honor member, is leaving CBS amid changes to “The NFL Today.” Along with Esiason, Phil Simms will also not be returning to the long-running pregame show. Matt Ryan, a recently retired NFL player, and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt will be joining the crew of “The NFL Today.” James Brown will continue as the show’s host, with Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher also on board. Esiason, 63, stated that he was happy to step aside and felt it was the right time to move on after a successful tenure at CBS.
Esiason confirmed his departure from CBS on WFAN, but will continue his work at the radio station alongside his co-host Gregg Giannotti. He had contemplated making an announcement during CBS’s coverage of the 2024 Super Bowl, but opted to keep quiet. Esiason acknowledged the impact of CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus’s retirement as a factor in his decision to leave. He spoke about the demanding schedule he has had for years, and expressed excitement about achieving a better work-life balance moving forward. Despite leaving CBS, Esiason appreciated his time at the network and emphasized that he had no hard feelings towards anyone there.
Having worked at CBS for over 20 years, Esiason feels grateful for the opportunities he had and the support he received from the network. He mentioned that throughout his tenure, he never faced any pushback from CBS management regarding any controversial topics he discussed. Esiason’s departure from CBS signals a significant change for “The NFL Today,” which is also seeing the exit of longtime host Phil Simms. With new additions like former NFL player Matt Ryan and defensive star J.J. Watt, along with returning personalities like Brown, Burleson, and Cowher, the show is poised for an interesting transition.
Esiason expressed his love for the opportunity to engage with football fans every Sunday on CBS, but recognized that finding some time for himself was necessary at this stage in his life. He made it clear that he cherished his time at CBS and the connections he made with colleagues and viewers alike. Esiason also revealed that he had plans to say something at the Super Bowl but refrained from doing so out of respect for the occasion. As he moves on to new ventures, Esiason is thankful for the experiences and memories he gained during his time at CBS Sports.
As CBS undergoes changes within its sports programming, Esiason’s departure marks the end of an era for “The NFL Today.” His decision to step aside reflects a personal choice to prioritize his well-being and make time for himself after dedicating decades to his career. Esiason’s legacy at CBS is one of professionalism and dedication to delivering quality sports analysis and discussions. While he will be missed on the network, his departure offers an opportunity for fresh perspectives and voices to contribute to the future of NFL coverage on CBS.
