Boomer Esiason Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Boomer Esiason, the former NFL MVP quarterback and broadcaster, has been married to Cheryl Esiason (née Hyde) since 1986. The couple share two children, son Gunnar and daughter Sydney, and co-founded a cystic fibrosis charity that has raised over $115 million.

Who Is Cheryl Esiason?

Cheryl Esiason (née Cheryl Hyde) married Boomer in 1986. She is the co-founder and co-chairman of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, established in 1994 after their son Gunnar's cystic fibrosis diagnosis. The foundation has raised more than $115 million for cystic fibrosis research and patient support. The family has lived in the New York area — Plandome/Manhasset — since at least 1998.

Marriage Timeline

Boomer and Cheryl Hyde married in 1986, with his college roommate Frank Reich serving as best man. They have been married for nearly four decades. In 1993, while Esiason was at a Jets mini-camp, two-year-old Gunnar was hospitalized with breathing difficulties and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. The diagnosis transformed the family's life: in 1994 they founded the Boomer Esiason Foundation. Their daughter Sydney later married former New York Islanders forward Matt Martin.

Children

Boomer and Cheryl Esiason have two children: son Gunnar and daughter Sydney. Gunnar, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age two in 1993, graduated from Boston College, manages daily CF treatments, serves as a director of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and runs a widely followed blog and podcast about life with the disease. Sydney is married to former professional hockey player Matt Martin.

Career Highlights

Norman Julius "Boomer" Esiason was born on April 17, 1961, in East Islip, New York — his mother nicknamed him "Boomer" before birth for his constant kicking in the womb. He played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals (1984-1992, 1997), plus the Jets (1993-1995) and Cardinals (1996). Career totals: 37,920 passing yards and 247 touchdowns across 187 games. He was named NFL MVP in 1988, earned four Pro Bowl selections (1986, 1988, 1989, 1993), was First-Team All-Pro in 1988, won the 1995 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and led the Bengals to Super Bowl XXIII (January 1989). After retiring he became a prominent broadcaster: CBS Sports analyst and host of WFAN's morning show — Boomer and Carton, then Boomer and Gio. In 2026 he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.

FAQ

Who is Boomer Esiason's wife?

Cheryl Esiason (née Hyde). They married in 1986 and have been together for nearly 40 years.

How many children do Boomer and Cheryl Esiason have?

Two: son Gunnar and daughter Sydney (married to former NHL player Matt Martin).

What is the Boomer Esiason Foundation?

A charity founded in 1994 after son Gunnar's cystic fibrosis diagnosis. It has raised over $115 million for CF research.

Was Boomer Esiason an NFL MVP?

Yes — in 1988 with the Cincinnati Bengals, posting a league-leading 97.4 quarterback rating.