CBS's iconic NFL pregame show will have a much different look this fall with two familiar faces leaving the set.
The network announced Monday that 2016 league MVP Matt Ryan will be joining the cast of "The NFL Today," while longtime veterans Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will not be returning.
Ryan, who led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl in his MVP season, officially announced his retirement from the NFL last week. He joined CBS Sports last season as an NFL game analyst and appeared in studio during the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl.
Simms' departure marks the end of an era for him at CBS. The former New York Giants quarterback, 68, served as lead game analyst for nearly 20 years before transitioning to the studio and working alongside Esiason, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, ex-wide receiver Nate Burleson and host James Brown.
Esiason, who played quarterback for 14 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, spent more than two decades on the "NFL Today" set, making him the show's longest-tenured analyst.
"More their decision than maybe mine," Esiason said on his New York radio show Monday morning. He will, however, continue his association with the network with the WFAN radio show also simulcast on the CBS Sports Network.
Both Esiason and Simms had their contracts expire after the Super Bowl. CBS chose not to renew them.
Ryan, 38, is one of only five players in NFL history to pass for at least 60,000 yards and win an MVP. He played 15 seasons with the Falcons and Indianapolis Colts from 2008-2022. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and led the Falcons to an NFC championship and an appearance in Super Bowl 51.
"I grew up watching the NFL Today so I’m honored to join this iconic show and hope to continue the high standard set by Phil, Boomer and others before me," Ryan said in a news release from CBS. "I am thankful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates." [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
Glad those old farts are gone from TV. They brought nothing. Should have paid more for Jason Kelce and liven up that old show.
I think the network suits are too scared of unpredictability. They either want a suit who is careful about every word or someone off their rocker. It's easy to blame a crazy guy for saying crazy things. They don't like polished guys who can be predictable. Which is why mcafee took sports Media by storm [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
Glad those old farts are gone from TV. They brought nothing. Should have paid more for Jason Kelce and liven up that old show.
Outside of salary, I am not sure Ryan is an upgrade either. Would have loved to see Jason Kelce on there though. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
Glad those old farts are gone from TV. They brought nothing. Should have paid more for Jason Kelce and liven up that old show.
I try to think of what redeeming value any of the crew from that show has...
Tired of Cowher's schtick....grizzled old defensive coach...
Simms and Boomer.....their supposed back and forth got old real quick. Nothing of value.
Nate Burleson is the "fluff" reporter telling all the "feel good" stories I really don't care to see.
Not sure I feel like Matt Ryan would provide anything more himself.
I don't go out of my way to view pre-game pontificating - but catch some of it in the last 10 minutes before a game or between games. Both these guys are likable, but rarely add much insight. Phil S. is bland as mayo on white bread. Boomer is occassionaly interesting. As said, there are just too many commentators for any one of them to have time to be interesting. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Why Not?:
They need to axe most of these guys. All these shows do. I don't need 6 or 7 dudes or whatever to do a pre-game show. Give me 2 guys and move on.
Yes, NFL sets look like the head table at an Italian Wedding. They make about $640,000 per syllable. Less yammering, less TMZ, just show highlights, numbnuts. [Reply]
People still watch these shows? These stiffs haven’t taught us anything since Al Gore invented* the internet.
I liked Sims as a color guy - haven’t watched enough of any studio show on any channel to have an opinion since the 90s. They bring nothing to the table. [Reply]
Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501:
I think the network suits are too scared of unpredictability. They either want a suit who is careful about every word or someone off their rocker.
I get they have an audience from Alabama to NY to Utah etc. so I get playing the middle to not offend anyone. But, in doing that they create a very boring show, ESPN and the NFL networks morning shows are also playing nationally better and they seem to not be so boring. [Reply]