It's official: former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is slipping on a new kind of jersey—one with a CBS Sports logo. The recently retired NFL hotshot is set to join the big leagues of television as a studio analyst on the network's NFL Today show. In a move that shakes up the CBS lineup, veterans Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason are taking a bow after decades on the air, the network confirmed on Monday.

Ryan, who ended his 15-year professional football career last week, isn't new to the broadcaster's chair. He made his mark last season primarily as a game analyst, later gracing the studio during the playoffs and the Super Bowl. “Matt had an outstanding first year at CBS Sports, excelling as both a studio and game analyst,” said CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson, as reported by WABE. The team already sees Ryan as a winner off the field, ready to quickly bond and break down plays with his new squad, including James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and JJ Watt.

Esiason and Simms' departures come as their contracts reach the end zone post-Super Bowl. Simms, a former NFL quarterback himself, has been with the network since 1998 and transitioned to studio work in 2017. Esiason, whose tenure lasted an impressive 22 years, will still be heard on New York sports talk radio, a gig that's also simulcast on CBS Sports Network. “Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” Berson praised them in his announcement, as reported by WABE.

Matt Ryan is not just any former quarterback; he's a 2016 NFL MVP and a four-time Pro Bowler with stats to marvel at—ranks in the top ten in NFL history for passing yards, touchdowns, completions, and attempts. But what seems to truly impress CBS Sports is his character off the field. “He is the consummate team player and a Hall of Fame person,” Berson told WABE. This lineup shake-up marks the first significant maneuver under Berson, who stepped up to the plate just three weeks ago, following Sean McManus's retirement. For sports fans, the anticipation is now to watch as Matt Ryan attempts to seamlessly transition his game-time strategies into television-time insights.

Meanwhile, Simms took to social media to reflect on his extended play with CBS Sports, stating, “Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” showcasing a forward-looking attitude after a storied career in sports and broadcasting. As the 2024 NFL season approaches, eyes will also be on how CBS's new recruit will fare among the seasoned veterans of the studio team and the fans at home.