Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason Missed by James Brown on ‘NFL Today’ After Major Lineup Change

Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, two veteran broadcasters and former NFL quarterbacks, have been notably absent from the CBS program ‘NFL Today‘ following a recent lineup shakeup. James Brown, the long-time host of the show, expressed his sentiments about the change, highlighting the contributions of both Simms and Esiason.

Simms, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the New York Giants, had been a part of ‘NFL Today’ since 2017. Brown praised Simms for his dedication to understanding the game, describing him as a “gym rat” in terms of his hard work and mastery of the game’s intricacies.

Esiason, the 1988 NFL MVP, also received accolades from Brown for his comprehensive knowledge of various sports topics. Esiason, who played for several teams including the Jets, brought significant value to the program with his insights. He currently co-hosts a program on WFAN and reflected on his 22-year career in broadcasting, calling it an incredible journey.

The new lineup on ‘NFL Today’ features James Brown, Bill Cowher, Jonathan Jones, Matt Ryan, JJ Watt, and Nate Burleson. Despite the changes, Brown appreciated CBS’s approach to integrating fresh talent while maintaining a balance between seasoned veterans and newcomers. He emphasized the importance of veterans guiding younger athletes and demonstrating professionalism.