Boomer Esiason has broken his silence in 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 on the network’s NFL pregame show.
Esiason was on “The NFL Today” for 22 years and was the show’s longest-serving analyst.
He will continue to work on a sports radio show in New York, simulcast on CBS Sports Network.
But he 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 absent from CBS Sports’ NFL pregame show.
Esiason was on “The NFL Today” for 22 years and was the show’s longest-serving analyst.
“I was more than happy to step aside. I spent my time there,” Esiason said.
“I loved this seat. I loved that seat, I loved talking to the football fans every Sunday, but there comes a time when you have to find time for yourself. And it was the right time.
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has been chosen as his replacement, CBS Sports announced Monday.
The 2016 NFL MVP announced his retirement from the league last week after not signing 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 have set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” David Berson, chairman and CEO of CBS Sports, said in a statement.
Phil Simms (right) and Esiason (left) were both excluded from contract renewal by CBS
Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan tapped as replacement after retirement
“We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports. We sincerely thank them for being incredible teammates and for their passion, dedication and commitment to improving CBS Sports’ coverage of the NFL each season.
ESPN and YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay openly questioned the decision to remove Esiason and Simms afterward.
“Boomer has been here for 22 years. Phil has been there for 26 years. And you know, I hope CBS has everything wrapped up.
“Because if you get rid of guys just because of their age, you’re going to get yourself into trouble. I can’t fire someone because of their age.
He later said: “I guess they’re going to have to work around that, because isn’t it strange that the two older guys got fired now?”
“They might say, well, James Brown is in the ’70s, we’re bringing him back, different work.”
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