Seventeen years after making an Emmy-nominated 2007 edition of E60 in which the network explored Boomer Esiason and his family as they looked to combat cystic fibrosis, ESPN is revisiting the story with a new film. Titled Second Wind: The Boomer and Gunnar Esiason Story, the presentation documents the journey as the family sought to apply their own experience with this genetic disease to enacting change and helping others.
Boomer Esiason, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and former NFL most valuable player, has been hosting morning drive on WFAN since 2007 and also recently concluded a 22-year run serving as an analyst for The NFL Today on CBS Sports. In 1993, he launched the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which has raised more than $175 million to support the fight against this disease and the quest to find a cure. Esiason’s son, Gunnar, was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with this disease, complicating breathing through the lungs filling with mucus.
This program contains archival footage and interviews that span approximately two decades and includes reporting from Jeremy Schaap. Members of Esiason’s family were interviewed for the program, along with NBC Sports analyst Cris Collinsworth, former Giants quarterback and CBS Sports colleague Phil Simms, and Boomer Esiason Foundation athlete Logan McGovern.
Additionally, the film includes perspectives from Dr. Frederick Van Goor and Dr. Emily DiMango, divulging advances in treatment and the challenges families face in battling this disease. The latest installment of E60 was directed by Max Brodsky and produced by Ajay Atayee. Schaap recently appeared on Boomer & Gio to talk about the project and what it was like to report on the story.
“When you think about the arc of this story over the course of the last 30-plus years since Gunnar’s diagnosis to where we are now, it’s a remarkable story,” Schaap said to Esiason. “It’s an incredible testament to your family, to your commitment to this cause, to the work that so many people have done and so many scientists have done, and it was just certainly worth – I mean, I’m biased, but I’d say it’s one of the best things we’ve done.”
Esiason continues to fundraise and drive awareness of cystic fibrosis to emphasize the importance of finding a cure, and he thanked Schaap for allowing him and his family to tell their story. The E60 presentation is slated to premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN, and it will be available immediately thereafter to stream on ESPN+.
The show is part of a holiday storytelling marathon taking place on ESPN2 that includes a curated selection of 30 for 30 shorts and the SportsCenter series, “My Wish.” Airing at 10 p.m. EST and again the next day at 1 a.m. EST on ESPN2, Second Wind: The Boomer and Gunnar Esiason Story, will highlight their story and the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
