CBS Sports revealed The NFL Today will have a new configuration this fall with the addition of four-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan to the show and the departure of veterans Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason. Ryan, who was a member of a three-person broadcast booth with play-by-play announcer Andrew Catalon and analyst Tiki Barber during last season’s NFL on CBS slate of games, will officially be the newest member of the studio show this fall. This also represents the first personnel moves under David Berson, who became president and chief executive officer of CBS Sports upon the retirement of division chairman Sean McManus after three decades with the company.
Ryan will join the show following a record-setting Super Bowl LVIII broadcast from CBS Sports that averaged approximately 123.7 million viewers across platforms, the largest audience for a television program in United States history. A custom survey commissioned by the National Football League to Nielsen Media Research measured that the game reached an estimated 210 million viewers, representing nearly two-thirds of all Americans, with an average minute audience of about 143 million viewers.
“Matt had an outstanding first year at CBS Sports, excelling as both a studio and game analyst,” Berson said in a statement. “He is the consummate team player and a Hall of Fame person. We love the chemistry he has with the studio crew and we’re excited to see him entertain NFL fans and share his passion, insight and perspective alongside JB, Nate, Coach and JJ.”
Ryan played 15 seasons in the NFL as a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts where he earned top-10 distinctions in passing yards (62,972), touchdowns (381), completions (5,551) and attempts (8,464). The former No. 3 overall draft pick by the Falcons holds many offensive records for the franchise, such as touchdowns, completions and passer rating. Ryan played in Super Bowl LI and helped the team attain six playoff berths during his 14 seasons with the organization.
“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 statement. “I am thankful for this exciting new opportunity and can’t wait to get started with my new teammates.”
With the addition of Ryan, the show will no longer feature former NFL quarterbacks Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, ending their tenure with the outlet. Simms was the lead game analyst for almost two decades before he made the transition into the studio where he brought his style, opinions and levity to the studio program. Esiason had been a member of The NFL Today for 22 years as its longest-tenured analyst and brought his esoteric knowledge and quick-wittedness to the show.
Audacy announced that it had inked Esiason to a multi-year contract extension for him to continue co-hosting morning drive on WFAN, making him the longest-tenured host in the daypart in the history of the station. While discussing his future in sports media on Monday morning, Esiason framed his departure from CBS Sports as “more their decision than maybe mine” and thought of the Super Bowl LVIII coverage as his “swan song.”
“Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” Berson said in a statement. “We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports. We genuinely thank them for being incredible teammates and for their passion, dedication and commitment to elevating CBS Sports’ NFL coverage every season.”
Phil Simms took to X to post, “Great 26 year run with CBS Sports. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next…”
