NFL fans are in shock after it was announced that Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms, the former NFL MVP and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, are out at CBS Sports’ NFL pregame show after a combined 48 years with the network.
Esiason And Simms Out At CBS Sports
“Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” Simms, a 68-year-old two-time Super Bowl winner with the New York Giants, wrote on social media.
Esiason spoke out to give some further information about their exit.
“More [the network’s] decision than maybe mine,” said Esiason, 63, according to Daily Mail. “I had been there for 22 years. The guy who hired me back in 2001 was a guy by the name of Sean McManus, who was the CBS Sports Chairman.”
“I never in my wildest dreams thought it would have lasted 22 years,” he added. “With all the people that I’ve worked with CBS and the ”NFL Today’ it’s been an amazing run.”
McManus is stepping down as chairman of CBS Sports later this year, so it’s been speculated that this may have led in part to the departures of Esiason and Simms.
Esiason And Simms’ Replacement
CBS Sports announced on Monday that Esiason and Simms will be replaced by the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who announced his retirement just last week. After going unsigned in 2023, he was hired by CBS and served as an in-game commentator for the network last season.
“I grew up watching ‘The NFL Today’ so I’m honored to join this iconic show and hope to continue the high standard set by Phil, Boomer and others before me,” said Ryan, 38. “I am thankful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.”
Related: Even During His Broadcasting Debut, Matt Ryan Is STILL Trolled About Super Bowl LI Loss
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, confirmed that Ryan will be joining NFL Today. James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt round out the lineup.
“Matt had an outstanding first year at CBS Sports, excelling as both a studio and game analyst,” Berson gushed. “He is the consummate team player and a Hall of Fame person. We love the chemistry he has with the studio crew and we’re excited to see him entertain NFL fans and share his passion, insight and perspective alongside JB, Nate, Coach and JJ.”
Berson was also quick to honor Esiason and Simms.
“Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” he said. “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.”
Related: After Disappointing Season, Matt Ryan Says He’s Still Got “A Lot Of Good Football In My Body”
Simms ‘Never’ Going To Stop Working with NFL
The New York Post had warned back in January that changes could be coming at NFL Today, as Esiason, Simms, Cowher and Brown were all at the end of their contracts. Simms responded by saying he had no intention of leaving the world of football broadcasting.
“I’m never going to get out of it,” Simms said at the time. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t go back to CBS. But I’m definitely going to continue to work with or in the NFL — somewhere, somehow, whatever it is. I’m just not going to go, ‘OK, I’m done. I’m retired.'”
Unfortunately, it seems that it’s out with the old and in with the new at CBS. Only time will tell if this ends up being a smart decision on the network’s part.