Boomer Esiason is officially a Radio Hall of Famer. The WFAN morning host reflected on Thursday’s Chicago ceremony during Friday’s Boomer & Gio.
What We Know: The Radio Hall of Fame inducted Esiason Thursday night at Chicago’s Fairmont Hotel. Seven others joined him in the 2026 class. That group includes Dennis Green, Shotgun Tom Kelly, Helen Little, Bob Pittman, Rickey Smiley, Charlie Van Dyke and Fred Winston. Meanwhile, industry voters chose six inductees, while the nominating committee selected Green and Pittman. Esiason flew back to New York City for his program Friday morning on WFAN, and reflected on the honor to open his program.
What They Said: (All quotes via WFAN’s Boomer & Gio):
Boomer Esiason appreciates the evening being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame: “It was just really well done. Just a very thoughtful night. I appreciate all the attention that was garnered on me for that. It was fun. Also brought back memories of Monday night football of going in and out. It was very nice, and I’m very appreciative of the honor. Certainly, I’m very glad to represent this radio station, our market, our company, and of course our team here at Boomer and Gio.”
Boomer Esiason on his passion for radio: “All of us in this radio business love this medium. We love it. This is all about the Radio Hall of Fame and honoring people who have been in the business for a long time. It’s not just on-air people. It’s people behind the scenes that really care about it. They built a new radio hall of fame museum, and it’s in Chicago, of course. So, it was great.”
Boomer Esiason joked that not everyone knew who each other was: “These are all crazy radio people, like we are. It’s very interesting seeing them, talking to them, and being around them. Realizing how much I love this particular medium and why I love this medium so much. But we’re all in a bubble. We’re all in our own little bubble. I don’t know if half the people even knew who the hell I was.”
What Remains Unclear: However, it’s unclear if WFAN will mark the honor with any on-air tribute in addition. Esiason also didn’t share any details of his induction speech on the program. It’s unclear if his speech will be published online.
What It Means: Ultimately, the honor caps a remarkable second act for the former NFL quarterback. After all, Esiason has anchored WFAN mornings for nearly two decades. Furthermore, his induction shows sports talk earning a bigger seat at radio’s table. As a result, the moment also reflects well on WFAN, Audacy and the Boomer & Gio team.
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