Boomer Esiason speaks out on shock CBS Sports exit after veteran broadcaster and Phil Simms were replaced by Matt Ryan
Boomer Esiason has broken his silence on his shock exit from CBS Sports.
Earlier this week, the former NFL MVP and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback revealed on his daily radio show that he and Phil Simms were out at the network’s NFL pregame show.
Esiason was on ‘The NFL Today’ for 22 years and was the show’s longest-tenured analyst.
He will continue working on a New York sports talk radio show simulcast on CBS Sports Network.
But he’s admitted he was ‘more than happy to step aside’ during an interview on The Dan LeBatard Show.
Boomer Esiason revealed that he and Phil Simms were out at CBS Sports’ NFL pregame show
Esiason was on ‘The NFL Today’ for 22 years and was the show’s longest-tenured analyst
‘I was more than happy to step aside. I had my time there,’ Esiason said.
‘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.’
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was picked as a replacement, CBS Sports announced Monday.
The 2016 NFL MVP announced his retirement from the league last week after going unsigned in 2023. Ryan was first hired by CBS a year ago, and served as an in-game commentator for the network last season.
‘Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,’ CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson said in a statement.
Phil Simms (right) and Esiason (left) were both passed up for contract renewal by CBS
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was picked as a replacement after retiring
‘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.’
ESPN and YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay openly questioned the decision to axe both Esiason and Simms in the aftermath.
‘Boomer’s been there 22 years. Phil’s [been there] 26 years. And you know, I hope CBS buttoned everything up.
‘Because if you’re getting rid of guys just because of their age, you’re going to get yourself in trouble. Can’t fire somebody because of their age.’
He later said, ‘I guess they’re going to have to work around it because isn’t it strange that the two guys that are older got fired now?
‘They could say, well, James Brown’s in the seventies, we’re bringing him back, different job.’
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