Two football giants, Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, announce they won't return to CBS

Two football analysts and former quarterbacks for the Jets and Giants have announced they will not return to their roles on CBS' "The NFL Today" next year after more than two decades with the network.

Boomer Esiason, who played for the Jets from 1993 to 1995, made his announcement Monday on "Boomer and Gio," the morning radio show on WFAN he co-hosts with Gregg Giannotti. Phil Simms, the long-time Giants quarterback who was named MVP of the team's first Super Bowl victory, also shared he is leaving the show in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Simms worked with CBS for 26 years; Esiason was with the network for 22.

In announcing the news on "Boomer and Gio," Esiason said he felt his time at CBS coming to an end while at Super Bowl LVIII in February. He acknowledged that his departure from the network was "more their decision" than his, and he expressed his appreciation to the numerous producers and fellow analysts during his tenure.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would have lasted for 22 years," Esiason said. "With all the people that I've worked with over there at CBS and 'The NFL Today,' it's been an amazing run."

Esiason is continuing his morning show with Giannotti, as he also announced an extension on Monday to continue the show on WFAN and simulcast on CBS Sports Network. He joked that he is excited to finally enjoy full weekends off in the fall without his NFL obligations.

"I really haven't had extended weekends for about 40 years, when you think about it," Esiason said.

Recently retired quarterback Matt Ryan is joining "The NFL Today" following the departures of Esiason and Simms, The Athletic reported.

Esiason, 63, played 10 of his 14 years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. His best season came in 1988, when he was the league's MVP and led the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, which they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

Simms, 68, spent his entire 15-year career with the Giants and won two Super Bowls, though he missed the second title game with an injury. Prior to his role on "The NFL Today," he was part of the lead broadcast team for CBS games from 1998 to 2016.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms to depart from 'The NFL Today' on CBS