Tag: Esiason

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The CBS Sports on-air broadcast team including Sean McManus, David Berson, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Evan Washburn, Jay Feely, Gene Steratore, Nate Burleson, Dylan Gilmer (Young Dylan), JJ Watt, Bill Cowher, Jonathan Jones, James Brown, Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason pose at press conference at the Super Bowl 58 Media Center at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms sacked at ‘NFL Today’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms are out at CBS Sports as analysts on the network’s Sunday pregame show “The NFL Today.”

Both former NFL quarterbacks announced Monday that they were leaving the network; The Athletic reported that Matt Ryan is in. J.J. Watt will remain and could have an expanded role this season.

The moves come in the aftermath of the announced retirement of CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, with David Berson replacing him as boss of CBS Sports.

“More their decision than maybe mine,” Esiason said of CBS Sports. “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.”

Simms was there for 26 years, first as the in-booth No. 1 analyst alongside Jim Nantz before shifting to the studio in 2017 when the network inked Tony Romo.

“Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” Simms posted to X.

–Field Level Media

Former Bengals receiver Chad Johnson walks the sideline before the first quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. Jacksonville Jaguars At Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals to induct Boomer Esiason, Chad Johnson into Ring of Honor

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Boomer Esiason and wide receiver Chad Johnson will be inducted into the Bengals’ Ring of Honor during Cincinnati’s Sept. 25 “Monday Night Football” game with the Los Angeles Rams.

They’ll join Ken Anderson, Willie Anderson, Paul Brown, Isaac Curtis, Anthony Munoz and Ken Riley in the club.

“Boomer and Chad were both exceptional players,” Bengals president Mike Brown said Thursday. “If you look at the statistics, Boomer has a long list of quarterback firsts here. And Chad was a superb athlete who was probably the quickest receiver we have had here. They could have moments when they just carried the team by themselves. Both players are very deserving of this honor.”

Esiason (1984-92, ’97) was NFL MVP in 1988 and led the Bengals to a Super Bowl XXIII appearance while making the Pro Bowl three times.

“I will always remember I got this because of the season ticket holders,” said Esiason, underscoring the voting from season ticket holders from a ballot of 13. “They’re the ones who have the memories. They’re the ones who spend the money to support the team. They’re the ones who know who their favorite players are and who had the biggest impact when they were there. That’s not to be taken lightly or ever taken for granted.”

Johnson, also known as “Ochocinco,” is one of the most popular players in franchise history, an energetic and charismatic presence on the field and social media. In his 10 seasons in Cincinnati (2001-10), Johnson became the franchise’s all-time leading receiver with 10,783 yards.

“It means everything,” said Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection. “To be shown appreciation for all the years of hard work is awesome. It’s a great honor and I’m very appreciative. I’m getting my flowers now while I can smell them. To me, this honor means much more than getting a gold jacket, honestly. This is home.”

–Field Level Media