Boomer Esiason isn’t too keen on CBS replacing him on “NFL Today.” Because he was thinking about leaving anyway.
The WFAN host said during the show that he and fellow former New York quarterback Phil Sims will no longer appear on the show. Interview on Friday’s “Dan LeBatard Show” He is trying to find a better work-life balance.
“I was happy to leave. I had my time there,” Esiason said. “I loved that seat. I cherished that seat and cherished talking to soccer fans every Sunday, but there comes a time when you have to find time for yourself. And , this was the right time.”
Esiason, 63, announced on WFAN’s morning show last week that he was “stepping away” from CBS’ flagship NFL program, but he and co-host Greg Gianotti signed a long-term deal to remain on the radio.
Sims, 68, announced on the X show that he would not be returning to CBS, where he worked for 26 years.
Matt Ryan and JJ Watt will appear on the show along with James Brown, Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.
Essacion said he would have been interested in returning to CBS for at most another year if it wanted him back.
“When Sean McManus, who hired me in 2022, announced he was stepping down as chairman of CBS Sports, it felt like the natural thing to do,” Esiason said. “I wanted to say something at the Super Bowl, but I didn’t think it was appropriate. I knew Phil (Sims) didn’t want to retire from this show, so I was ready. For 22 years, I didn’t think it was appropriate.” It was the first time in 40 years that I had done that…It was a great run for me.”
The former Jets and Bengals quarterback called his time at CBS “a great run,” but he was ready for it to be over.
“Not once did anyone at CBS come to me and say, ‘Maybe you should stop making that kind of criticism,'” Esiason added. . “There have been a lot of controversial topics that have had to be addressed in the NFL over the last 20 years. So I loved my time there and I have no ill will towards anyone.”
