Career Timeline of Boomer Esiason: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Boomer Esiason built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Boomer Esiason is a former NFL quarterback known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted in the second round in 1984 after playing college football at Maryland, he spent 14 seasons in the NFL, also playing for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Esiason's career is most associated with his success leading the Bengals.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 7, 1984: First Pro Start

On October 7, 1984, Boomer Esiason had his first professional start in a home game against the Houston Oilers, leading the Bengals to a 13-3 victory and scoring the game's only touchdown.

1984: Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals

In 1984, Boomer Esiason was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the NFL draft as the 38th overall pick.

September 22, 1985: Full-Time Starting Quarterback

On September 22, 1985, Boomer Esiason became the Bengals' full-time starting quarterback, taking over for Ken Anderson in a game against the San Diego Chargers.

December 21, 1986: Record-Setting Performance

On December 21, 1986, in the final game of the season, Boomer Esiason set a team record by throwing five touchdown passes in a 52-21 victory over the New York Jets, also setting the team's single-season passing record of 3,959 yards. This was the last game for Ken Anderson.

1986: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1986, Boomer Esiason was selected to the Pro Bowl.

1988: NFL MVP and Super Bowl Appearance

In 1988, Boomer Esiason had his most successful season, winning the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and leading the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII.

October 29, 1989: Ties Touchdown Pass Record

On October 29, 1989, Boomer Esiason tied his own record for touchdown passes in a game with five, as the Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 56-23.

1989: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1989, Boomer Esiason was selected to the Pro Bowl.

October 7, 1990: Single Game Passing Record

On October 7, 1990, Boomer Esiason threw for 490 yards, setting a single-game team passing record, in a 34-31 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

1993: Traded to New York Jets

Before the 1993 season, Boomer Esiason was traded to the New York Jets.

1993: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1993, Boomer Esiason was selected to the Pro Bowl.

1994: Plays under Pete Carroll

In 1994, Boomer Esiason played for the Jets under head coach Pete Carroll.

1995: Released by the Jets

After the 1995 season, Boomer Esiason was released by the New York Jets.

1995: Authored A Boy Named Boomer

In 1995, Boomer Esiason authored a children's reader titled A Boy Named Boomer.

A Boy Named Boomer (Hello Reader!, Level 3)

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1995: Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

In 1995, Boomer Esiason received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his charitable work.

November 10, 1996: Fifth Best Passing Yardage Day in NFL History

On November 10, 1996, during the season with the Arizona Cardinals, Boomer Esiason threw for 522 yards in a 37-34 overtime victory against the Washington Redskins.

1996: Partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald

In 1996, Boomer Esiason formed a partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald and Howard Lutnick, relocating the foundation offices to the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

December 21, 1997: Final NFL Game

On December 21, 1997, Boomer Esiason played his last NFL game. He threw two touchdowns, including a 79-yard pass to Darnay Scott, in a 16-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

1997: Retirement

At his retirement in 1997, Boomer Esiason finished in the top 10 all-time in many QB career statistical categories.

1998: Color Commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football

In 1998, Boomer Esiason became a color commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football.

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1998: Co-wrote Toss

In 1998, Boomer Esiason co-wrote a novel titled Toss with Lowell Cauffiel.

Toss

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1998: Analyst Position Offer

In 1998, Boomer Esiason was offered an analyst's position on ABC's Monday Night Football for the third year in a row.

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1999: Color Commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football

In 1999, Boomer Esiason was a color commentator for ABC's Monday Night Football.

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2000: Lead Analyst for Westwood One

In 2000, Boomer Esiason became the lead analyst for Westwood One radio network for radio broadcasts of Monday Night Football and Super Bowl games.

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2002: Analyst for The NFL Today

From 2002, Boomer Esiason was an analyst for The NFL Today on CBS television.

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April 2007: CBS Radio Try-Out

In April 2007, CBS Radio gave Boomer Esiason a one-week try-out to replace Don Imus on WFAN.

September 4, 2007: Boomer and Carton Show Launch

On September 4, 2007, Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton officially started their radio program, Boomer and Carton, on WFAN after Esiason was named the permanent host replacing Don Imus.

2010: Boomer and Carton on MSG Network

In 2010, the Boomer and Carton radio program started being broadcast on the MSG Network, where it stayed until 2013.

September 2012: Joined CBS Radio

In September 2012, CBS Radio announced that Boomer Esiason was added to their collection of talent to deliver five sports updates per day, Monday through Friday.