Controversial CBS firing of Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason questioned by veteran broadcaster: ‘You’re going to get yourself into trouble’

ESPN and YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay is openly questioning CBS Sports’ decision to fire longtime NFL analysts Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms.

Esiason and Simms saw their contracts expire without renewal in recent days, with both being replaced by Matt Ryan and JJ Watt.

But after all their years of service, Kay wonders why CBS suddenly decided to pull both shows.

“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.

YES broadcaster Michael Kay defends Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason

Phil Simms (right) and Boomer Esiason (left) were not renewed by CBS

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.”

“It’s more of (the network’s) decision than maybe mine,” Esiason, 63, said before naming the outgoing executive who brought him to the network decades earlier.

“I was there for 22 years. The person who hired me in 2001 was Sean McManus, who was the president of CBS Sports…

“Never in my wildest dreams would this have lasted 22 years. With all the people I’ve worked with with CBS and ‘NFL Today,’ it’s been an incredible ride.

McManus is also stepping down as president of CBS Sports this year, which may have marked the end of Simms and Esiason’s run.

Simms, 68, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New York Giants, confirmed the news to X: “26 great years with CBS SPORTS. Even though this part of my career is over, I’m looking forward to what’s next.

Simms (left) and Esiason (right) ranked among football’s best quarterbacks of the 1980s

Ryan commented on the couple’s departure, saying, “I grew up watching ‘The NFL Today,’ so I’m honored to join this iconic show and hope to continue maintaining the high standard set by Phil, Boomer and others before me.”

“I am grateful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.”

Simms came to CBS in 1998 after the network obtained the rights to AFC. He was the game’s lead analyst until joining the studio in 2017. Esiason was on “The NFL Today” for 22 years and was the longest-serving analyst on the show. Esiason will continue to work on a sports radio show in New York, simulcast on CBS Sports Network.

“Phil and Boomer have set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” David Berson, chairman and CEO of CBS Sports, said in a statement. “We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports.

(L to R) Simms, Brown, Cowher, Burleson, Watt and Esiason are seen at Super Bowl LVIII

“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.”

Berson also explained the decision to hire Ryan.

“Matt had an exceptional first year at CBS Sports, excelling as both a studio and game analyst,” Berson continued. “He is an accomplished team player and Hall of Famer.

“We love the chemistry he has with the studio team and are excited to see him entertain NFL fans.”