Overview
- The Radio Hall of Fame announced Esiason as a 2026 inductee on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, placing him among eight honorees chosen for this year’s class.
- Esiason reacted live on WFAN, saying he never expected the honor and thanking colleagues and programmers who helped launch his radio career.
- The induction specifically recognizes his work in radio since joining WFAN in 2007 rather than his earlier NFL playing career, which included an MVP with the Cincinnati Bengals nearly four decades ago.
- The 2026 class also names Dennis Green, Shotgun Tom Kelly, Hellen Little, Bob Pittman, Rickey Smiley, Charlie Van Dyke, and Fred Winston and will be formally inducted at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago on October 8, 2026.
- Esiason’s selection underscores WFAN’s influence in sports radio and continues a lineage of station-linked Hall of Famers such as Mike Francesa, Chris Russo, and the late Don Imus.