Matt Ryan to join CBS’s NFL studio show as longtime pundits Simms and Esiason depart
Matt Ryan, who retired last week after 15 years in the NFL, will join CBS Sports as a studio analyst on The NFL Today and Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will depart after long runs on the show, the network announced Monday.
Ryan will join James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and JJ Watt. The 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback joined CBS Sports last season as an NFL game analyst and appeared in the studio during the playoffs and Super Bowl.
“Matt had an excellent first year at CBS Sports, excelling as a studio and game analyst,” said David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports. “He is a consummate team player and a Hall of Fame individual. We love the chemistry he has with the studio crew and we are excited to watch him entertain NFL fans and share his passion, insight and perspective with JB, Nate, Coach and JJ.”
Simms and Esiason’s contracts expired after the Super Bowl.
Simms came to CBS in 1998 after the network acquired the rights to AFC. He was the lead game analyst until moving to the studio in 2017.
“Great 26-year run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over, I look forward to the future.” Simms posted on social media.
Esiason was with The NFL Today for 22 years and was the show’s longest-tenured analyst. Esiason will continue to work on a New York sports talk radio show that will be simulcast on CBS Sports Network.
“Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” Berson said. “We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports. We sincerely thank them for being incredible teammates and for their passion, dedication and commitment to improving CBS Sports’ NFL coverage every season.”
Ryan played for the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts and ranks in the top 10 in NFL history in passing yards (62,792), touchdowns (381), completions (5,551) and attempts (8,464).
The change is the first major step under Berson, who took over three weeks ago after retirement from chairman Sean McManus.