Matt Ryan, who played 15 years in the NFL before retiring last week, will join CBS Sports’ NFL Today as a studio analyst, with Phil Sims and Boomer Esiason leaving after long stints on the show.
NEW YORK — Matt Ryan, who played in the NFL for 15 years before retiring last week, has joined CBS Sports’ NFL Today as a studio analyst, joining the network as Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason leave the show after a long run. It was announced on 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 has had an outstanding first year at CBS Sports, excelling both in the studio and as a game analyst,” said David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports. . “He’s a complete team player and a Hall of Famer. We love the chemistry he has with the studio staff and hope he entertains NFL fans and works with JB, Nate, Coach J.J. We look forward to seeing him share his passion, insight and perspective.”
Sims’ and Esiason’s contracts expired after the Super Bowl.
Mr. Sims joined CBS in 1998 after CBS acquired the rights to AFC. He served as his lead game analyst until moving to the studio in 2017.
“My 26 years at CBS SPORTS have been amazing. That part of my career is over, but I look forward to seeing what happens next,” Sims posted on social media.
Esiason appeared on NFL Today for 22 years, making him the program’s longest-serving analyst. Esiason will continue to work on his radio show, New York Sports His Talk, which will be simulcast on the CBS Sports Network.
“Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” Berson said. “We are so grateful for their invaluable contributions to CBS Sports. We want to thank them for being great teammates and for their passion, dedication, and commitment to making CBS Sports’ NFL coverage better every season. I sincerely thank you.”
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 appointment marks the first major move under Burson, who took over three weeks ago following the retirement of chairman Sean McManus.
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This article has been corrected to show The Sims moved to the studio in 2017, not 2016.
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