Boomer Esiason chose his own exit from The NFL Today several years ago. He explained why his exit from CBS Sports flagship NFL program was a life saver on BT Unleashed with Brandon Tierney.
What We Know: Esiason spent 22 years on The NFL Today before departing following the 2023 season. Recalling when he made his decision with network management, he requested that CBS Sports assist with the location of his WFAN morning program for on-site use during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. CBS Sports owned the rights to the Super Bowl broadcast that year, and accommodated Esiason’s final requests in his final days with the network. Additionally, Esiason discussed the full decision on BT Unleashed with former WFAN host Brandon Tierney.
- Advertisement -
What They Said: (all comments via BT Unleashed)
Boomer Esiason on why he left The NFL Today on CBS Sports: “I was trying to wean things down. I’m 65 years old. How much longer can you do this and continue to do it where what you’re giving of yourself is worthy of what they’re paying you. I didn’t want to mail it in [nor] want to just steal money. I didn’t feel like it was right. For me, getting that extra Sunday and Saturday back without having to worry about Sunday afternoon was like a lifesaver for me two years ago.”
Boomer Esiason on his decision to leave The NFL Today following the 2023 season: “I just said to CBS, please invest in doing this the right way. I just want to go out the right way. I want to be taking care of the radio guys. So they put us in the Win Hotel [ahead of Super Bowl LVIII]. They put us in the Win Studio, which was right downstairs. It couldn’t have been any better. I couldn’t have been any more pleased or happier with the way that I was going out. I didn’t even consider wanting to go another year, while I know that other people did. But for me, I was done.”
What Remains Unclear: What CBS Sports would have offered Esiason had he thought about remaining with The NFL Today.
What It Means: While Esiason didn’t explain why the decision was a “life save” for himself. The workload issue is one that many talent today balance as best they could. Esiason had a long tenure with the flagship NFL program on CBS Sports. He’s also continuing one of the most lasting sports radio careers in New York City history. His successful resume allowed the requests to be heard from CBS Sports executives. His shared his appreciation for their efforts in his final week of work with the network. Esiason continues to navigate success with WFAN and will likely continue to for some time.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries.Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
- Advertisement -