Deion Sanders once entertained "black and white" sports show with Boomer Esiason

The NFL greats talked about being partnered before the concept became mainstream

USA Today Sports/ CU Buffs

Could you ever Imagine a sports show built around Boomer Esiason versus Deion Sanders? While such a concept never came to fruition, and likely never will, the idea certainly sparks intrigue. The topic emerged from a conversation between Esiason and his WFAN co-host Gregg Giannotti. They were discussing Stephen A. Smith’s contract negotiations with ESPN when Esiason recalled a proposal from earlier in his media career.

Esiason revealed that a producer once pitched a show idea to him, which he then presented to Deion Sanders during their time together at CBS. The concept, intriguingly titled “In Black and White,” was rooted in the contrasting perspectives and backgrounds of Esiason and Sanders. This divergence of viewpoints is what has historically fueled the success of shows like First Take, particularly during the Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless era. Smith himself has acknowledged the importance of differing perspectives in creating engaging discourse.

Boomer Esiason vs Deion Sanders? pic.twitter.com/E9F1s0B15s

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Esiason mentioned that Sanders, who was living in Texas at the time, was not keen on commuting to New York, which ultimately stalled the show at the conceptual stage. Esiason speculated that even if the show had materialized, it might not have endured due to their intense disagreements. He believed their differing opinions would have led to heated exchanges that, while entertaining, might have been unsustainable in the long term.

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The idea of a show featuring Esiason and Sanders is particularly compelling given their history as analysts on CBS’s The NFL Today. The proposed show’s title, “In Black and White,” underscores the fundamental nature of their differences. Esiason and Sanders come from distinct backgrounds, which inevitably shape their perspectives on sports and life. This divergence is similar to what made the Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless era of First Take a sensation. The ability to see the world differently and articulate those differences in a compelling manner is what draws viewers to such shows.

In the sports media landscape, successful debate shows thrive on the chemistry and dynamic between the hosts. The combination of Esiason and Sanders, with their history of spirited debates and contrasting viewpoints, could have created a unique viewing experience. Their differing backgrounds and opinions would have provided a rich source of content, with each episode likely featuring passionate exchanges on various sports topics.

While the show with Esiason and Sanders never materialized, the concept remains an intriguing “what if” in the realm of sports media. Their on-air chemistry and history of disagreements suggest that, had circumstances been different, they might have created a memorable and potentially iconic show. The possibility of witnessing Esiason and Sanders regularly engaging in heated debates is a tantalizing thought for sports fans who enjoy the dynamic of contrasting perspectives in their sports commentary.