Boomer and Cheryl Esiason: A Deep Dive into Their Enduring Relationship

By Jason Bolton August 15, 2024 07:00

Photo by AP

Boomer Esiason, a powerhouse of success and celebration in the NFL, and his wife, Cheryl Esiason, his most significant achievement. Their love, resilience, and common cause have provided a wonderful story beyond the playground tendency of sports. This is a look back at their journey of riding off into the sunset together with love, key moments in the timeline, and what keeps them going.

Early Life: A Love Story Started

Boomer Esiason met Cheryl in the early 1980s while they were both attending the University of Maryland. They met in college through a web of mutual friends and shared interests. Boomer's charisma and drive attracted Cheryl, a hardworking student with dreams of becoming an accomplished professional. Their friendship rapidly grew into something more as they became closer and never left each other's side.

After dating for years, Boomer and Cheryl married in 1986. Their wedding was the start of a relationship in which they would share life's challenges, like Boomer now playing college football and later going through some personal trials as a family.

Navigating Fame and Family

Boomer Esiason zoomed to national prominence as the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals in the late 1980s, but his success also came with its trappings. Despite what he received, including the NFL MVP in 1988, there was Cheryl right next to him. She leaned into marrying a quarterback serving as the breadwinner. She attended games and events left and right while navigating said family complexities.

Together, they had their first child in 1991, Gunnar. That bliss was quickly tempered, though, as the couple would soon receive the life-changing news that Gunnar had been born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition he'd fight for his entire existence. The Esiason diagnosis was a defining moment for the family, setting their priorities in order and turning them towards advocacy efforts.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation

Following Gunnar's diagnosis, Boomer and his wife Cheryl, who both still live on the North Shore, launched 1993 the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF). The foundation funds research and resources to help those living with cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs. Since Cheryl took on the role of co-chairman, that foundation has raised almost $115m for scholarships and medical programs as well as research initiatives.

Her dedication to the cause exemplifies her core compassion and community service beliefs. Together, the Esiason family turned their challenges into the most powerful advocacy platform to fight for awareness and raise awareness funds supporting cystic fibrosis research.

Milestones and Achievements

During their time together, Boomer and Cheryl have celebrated several significant historical events that also reflect their individuality. More than ten years ago, in 2007, they dressed Boomer and Gunnar as if for one of the most celebrated Sports Illustrated covers ever, with its Iwo Jima-like silhouette promoting their long-standing battle against cystic fibrosis.

The first Team Boomer Run to Breathe 10K in Central Park was held in October of last year and drew over 10,000 runners, who lent their support. This is proof that the community is firmly behind the foundation and The Esiason Family Crusade. The event also raised considerable money and showed the couple's skill in rallying help for a mission they cared about deeply.

Family Life and Parenting

As parents, they have tried to ensure a normal life for their children, Gunnar and Sydney, by balancing their lives on the public stage with parenting at home. She has often insisted that family is everything to her and has called their kids her proudest achievements.

The couple raised their children with notions of strength, open-heartedness, and public service. Gunnar, a cystic fibrosis advocate on his own right now, is inspiring others with his story, and Sydney is chasing down the interests of her fin, ding happiness intertwined with getting married to professional hockey player Matt Martin.

A Legacy of Love and Advocacy

Nearly four decades later, Boomer and Cheryl Esiason have proven a guiding light in navigating fears with love, resilience, and shared purpose. During their time together, they have reached several milestones, including the founding of the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which has had a major influence on the cystic fibrosis community.

Their long relationship beautifully echoes the truth that love and strength together conquer all life problems. This story is not just another tale of a great football player and his wife; it is about two people who have spent their lives making the world a better place for each other.

The road they take together in victory and defeat forges a super team intent on being changemakers. Their story is a testament to the power of love and commitment through all that life can throw our way; their steadfast devotion will echo down generations as others strive to follow in their footsteps.