Do you like football and watching the NFL? If you do, you might have heard of Boomer Esiason, an American former professional football player who currently works as a sports analyst and commentator. He is known for his passing, leadership, and charisma. He is also a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and an NFL Most Valuable Player. But do you know where he went to college and how his education helped him become a successful football player? In this article, we will explore the college journey of Boomer Esiason and learn some interesting facts about his life and achievements.
Boomer Esiason’s Educational Journey
Boomer Esiason attended the University of Maryland, a public research university in College Park, Maryland. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in 1984. He was interested in topics such as law, sociology, and psychology. He also took courses in history, English, and mathematics.
During his college years, Boomer Esiason learned from some of the best professors and mentors in the fields of criminology and criminal justice and football, such as Lawrence Sherman, who taught him how to analyze crime and justice; Jerry Claiborne, who coached him on how to play football and lead a team; and Frank Reich, who inspired him to become a better quarterback and friend. He also participated in various activities, such as playing for the Maryland Terrapins football team, where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons; joining the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, a social organization that promotes friendship, learning, and service; and volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a program that supports youth development.
Boomer Esiason’s Early Life and Background
Boomer Esiason was born on April 17, 1961, in West Islip, New York. He is the son of Norman Esiason and Irene Esiason. His family is American and Irish. His father was an engineer who worked for Grumman Aerospace Corporation. His mother was a homemaker who raised him and his younger sister Susan.
Boomer Esiason had a happy and active childhood. He loved sports and played football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse with his family and friends. He also enjoyed reading books and magazines about sports heroes. He attended East Islip High School, where he excelled in academics and athletics. He was the captain of the football team and the baseball team. He also played basketball and lacrosse. He was a good student who earned a scholarship to the University of Maryland.
Boomer Esiason’s Post-College Journey
After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1984, Boomer Esiason pursued a career in professional football. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft. He received $1.2 million for his first season. He played as a quarterback for the Bengals for nine seasons until he was traded to the New York Jets in 1993.
In 1996, Boomer Esiason signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. He played for the Cardinals for one season until he returned to the Bengals in 1997. He played for the Bengals for one more season until he retired from football in 1998.
During his NFL career, Boomer Esiason was one of the most prolific and popular quarterbacks in the league. He threw for 37,920 yards, 247 touchdowns, and 184 interceptions. He also ran for 1,598 yards and seven touchdowns. He won several awards and honors, such as NFL Most Valuable Player (1988), four-time Pro Bowl selection (1986, 1988, 1989, 1993), two-time All-Pro selection (1988, 1989), Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (1995), etc.
Boomer Esiason has also been involved in various off-field activities, such as endorsing products such as Reebok, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, etc.; appearing in TV shows and movies such as The Simpsons, Spin City, Blue Bloods, etc.; hosting radio shows and podcasts such as Boomer & Gio, The NFL Today, etc.; writing books and magazines such as Boomer: The Elite Quarterback Workout Program, Sports Illustrated, etc.; donating money and time to charities such as The Boomer Esiason Foundation, a foundation that supports cystic fibrosis research; The V Foundation, a foundation that supports cancer research; etc.
Boomer Esiason’s Impact and Significance
Boomer Esiason is widely regarded as one of the best and most beloved quarterbacks of his era. He changed the game of football with his passing, leadership, and charisma. He also inspired millions of fans and young football players with his passion, determination, and generosity. He was named one of the “50 Greatest Bengals of All Time” by the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2014.
Boomer Esiason’s college education influenced his football achievements in many ways. He learned from some of the best professors and mentors in criminology and criminal justice and football at the University of Maryland. They taught him how to analyze crime and justice, how to play football and lead a team, and how to become a better quarterback and friend. He also gained valuable experience and exposure from playing for the Maryland Terrapins football team, where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons. He made connections and friendships with teammates and coaches who supported him throughout his journey. He also developed skills and qualities that helped him succeed as a quarterback, such as accuracy, arm strength, mobility, confidence, passion, and perseverance.
Interesting Anecdotes or Trivia
Here are some interesting anecdotes or trivia about Boomer Esiason’s college years:
– He was nicknamed “Boomer” by his mother because he kicked a lot in her womb.
– He was also nicknamed “The Blonde Bomber” by his fans because of his hair color and throwing ability.
– He met his wife Cheryl at the University of Maryland. They married in 1986 and have two children named Sydney and Gunnar.
– He once threw for 479 yards and six touchdowns against North Carolina State University in 1983. This was one of his best performances in college football.
– He once hit a home run in a charity softball game against the Baltimore Orioles in 1985. He played as a pitcher for the Maryland Terrapins baseball team.
Relevance to Today’s Students
Boomer Esiason’s college journey can inspire and motivate today’s students who are interested in pursuing a career in football or any other field. His story shows that with talent, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible. He also demonstrates that education is not only about academics but also about personal growth, character development, and social responsibility. He also proves that success is not measured by fame or money but by happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned where Boomer Esiason went to college and how his education helped him become a successful football player. We have seen that he attended the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in 1984. He was a successful and popular quarterback who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
We have also learned some interesting facts about his life and achievements, such as his family background, his nicknames, his awards, and his endorsements. We have also discussed how his college education influenced his football achievements and how it can inspire today’s students.