History of Boomer Esiason in Timeline

Boomer Esiason is a former NFL quarterback known primarily for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted in the second round in 1984, he played 14 seasons, also spending time with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Esiason played college football at the University of Maryland before turning pro.

Sections (4)

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

1986: Esiason's Marriage to Cheryl

In 1986, Boomer Esiason married his wife, Cheryl.

1993: Boomer Esiason Foundation Formation

In 1993, the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) was formed after Esiason's son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.

1996: Partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald

In 1996, Boomer Esiason formed a partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald and Howard Lutnick.

1998: Esiason's Residence in Plandome, New York

Since at least 1998, Boomer Esiason and his family have resided in the village of Plandome, New York.

2001: World Trade Center Attack

In 2001, the North Tower of the World Trade Center, where the Boomer Esiason Foundation offices were located, was destroyed in the September 11 attacks. All five full-time employees survived, but Esiason knew over 100 people personally who were killed in the attack, including his best friend Tim O'Brien.

April 2007: Esiason's Try-Out and Permanent Host Announcement

In April 2007, CBS Radio gave Esiason a one-week "try-out" as Don Imus' replacement on WFAN. He was announced as the permanent host on August 13, with Craig Carton as co-host.

September 4, 2007: Boomer and Carton Debut on WFAN

On September 4, 2007, Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton officially started as hosts of the "Boomer and Carton" radio show on WFAN.

2010: Boomer and Carton on MSG Network

From 2010 to 2013, the "Boomer and Carton" radio program was seen on the MSG Network.

March 8, 2013: Esiason and Carton Broadcast Brooklyn Nets Game

On March 8, 2013, Esiason and Craig Carton worked the radio broadcast of a Brooklyn Nets basketball game.

January 2014: Boomer and Carton Simulcast on CBS Sports Network

Since January 2014, The Boomer and Carton radio program had been simulcast on the CBS Sports Network.

September 2017: Craig Carton's Arrest and Resignation

In September 2017, Craig Carton was arrested and charged with operating a concert ticket Ponzi scheme. Carton then resigned from WFAN.

January 2, 2018: Giannotti Joins Esiason as Co-Host

On January 2, 2018, Gregg Giannotti joined Boomer Esiason as permanent co-host, and the show was renamed "Boomer and Gio".

2018: BEF Scholarship Awards

In 2018, the Boomer Esiason Foundation awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to almost 100 students.

2019: Esiason's Hockey Involvement

As of 2019, Boomer Esiason plays in up to 70 recreational-league hockey games a year. He also plays in the annual Mikey Strong Charity Hockey game with NHL alumni.

February 2026: Esiason's Comments on Olympic Athletes

In February 2026, during his WFAN Radio show, Boomer Esiason commented on statements by some United States Olympic athletes, asserting that American Olympians “should just pipe down and just do their sport and play for our country and respect the flag and respect everything that’s going on.”