All-Time Bengals QBs Ranked: Anderson #1, Esiason #2

Boomer Esiason

Retired 14 Years In The NFL
🏆 NFL Most Valuable Player (1988)
Boomer's
HAIR
19.7
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Boomer Esiason or the Bengals?

Boomer Esiason Legacy

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Boomer Esiason brought swagger and a quick release to Cincinnati—a fiery New York kid who transformed the Bengals into an offensive juggernaut. His 1988 MVP season remains the gold standard: 3,572 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 97.4 passer rating that led the league. He got the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, though the 49ers spoiled the party. What truly defined him, though, was what came after football. When his son Gunnar was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 1993, Boomer became a force of nature, building the Esiason Foundation into a powerhouse that's raised over $115 million for research. That's the real legacy—a quarterback who threw for nearly 38,000 yards but made his greatest impact off the field.

Boomer Esiason Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Good
Playoffs
Subpar
Overall
Delulu
10 years with the Bengals

Boomer Esiason Career Stats via Wikipedia

37,920 Pass Yards
247 Touchdowns
184 INTs
57.0% Comp %
19.7 HAIR

Boomer Esiason Career Timeline

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2026 1

20 Years Westwood One Partnership

Celebrated 20 years of partnership with Westwood One and Barbasol for NFL broadcasts, highlighting his enduring broadcasting career.

2006 1

Westwood One Radio Debut

Esiason began a long tenure as a color commentator for Westwood One's NFL radio broadcasts.

1997 2

NFL Retirement

Esiason retired after 14 seasons with career stats of 37,920 passing yards, 198 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl nod.

Return to Bengals

Esiason returned to the Cincinnati Bengals for a final playing stint before retiring from the NFL.

1995 1

Signed with Cardinals

Esiason signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, playing one season as their starting quarterback.

1993 1

Major Knee Injury

Esiason suffered a severe knee injury that sidelined him for significant time, impacting his performance during the Bengals tenure.

1989 1

Pro Bowl Selection

Esiason earned a Pro Bowl selection following his standout performance and MVP season with the Bengals.

1988 2

Super Bowl XXIII Appearance

Esiason led the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII, falling short to the San Francisco 49ers 16-20 after advancing through the playoffs.

NFL MVP Award

Esiason won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award after leading the Bengals to a 12-4 record and throwing for 2,911 yards with 28 touchdowns.

1986 1

Traded to Bengals

Esiason was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he became the starting quarterback and spent the next 10 years.

1984 2

Jets Debut

Esiason began his NFL career with the New York Jets, playing three seasons as a backup and occasional starter.

Drafted by Jets

Boomer Esiason was selected as the 38th overall pick (second round) in the 1984 NFL Draft by the New York Jets out of the University of Maryland.

14 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About Boomer Esiason

How does Joe Burrow compare to Boomer Esiason?

Boomer Esiason owns the Bengals' established legacy with 37,920 yards, 247 TDs, and that '88 AFC title run, while Joe Burrow's still scripting his—two Super Bowl trips already, but no rings yet. Boomer's cannon arm lit up the '80s; Burrow's got the cool under pressure, like a surgeon in the pocket. One's etched in bronze, the other's chasing it.

Is Boomer Esiason in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, Boomer Esiason's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—no gold jacket in Canton for him. Guy threw for nearly 38,000 yards and an MVP in '88, but the voters passed, leaving him as that ultimate Bengals what-if. Still, his mic work keeps him louder than most Hall snubs.

What is Boomer Esiason doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Boomer's ruling the airwaves hosting Boomer & Gio on WFAN, analyzing for Inside the NFL on Showtime, and dropping Game Time interviews on CBS—like his October '25 Billie Jean King chat. Plus, Team Boomer's cranking with the '26 NYC Marathon and cystic fibrosis fundraisers that've topped $100 million. Hockey dad too, lacing up with son Gunnar.

How would Boomer Esiason perform in today's NFL?

Boomer's quick-release laser and mobility would've feasted in today's pass-happy NFL—think 4,500-yard seasons under no-touch rules, less pounding from guys like Bruce Smith. His 9.1 YPA screams Sam Darnold 2.0 with better decisions; defenses couldn't breathe on third-and-long like now.

How does Boomer Esiason compare to Ken Anderson?

Boomer edged Ken Anderson as Bengals QB1 with his 37,920 yards and 247 TDs to Ken's steadier 32,838 and 197, but Anderson's 95.7 rating smoked Boomer's 81.4 over more snaps. Ken was the West Coast wizard in the '70s-'80s; Boomer the gunslinger who chased rings. Both Paul Brown picks, neither quite summited.