ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit Explains Why He Was Tearing Up in the Broadcast Booth During the College Football Championship

Mar. 15, 2025

Kirk Herbstreit.Photo:Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty

ESPN analystKirk Herbstreitwas overcome after his alma mater Ohio State won the national championship.

“It’s been a tough year for me behind the scenes,” Herbstreit told hisCollege GameDaycolleague.

He added, “Ali, my wife, faced some stuff. My wife got diagnosed with breast cancer.”

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In addition, his son Zak, who is a senior tight end for Ohio State, was diagnosed with heart failure two years ago, Herbstreit shared.

“He had to medically retire, and I think the gratitude I have for [coach] Ryan Day putting his arms around Zak and keeping him involved,” he said.

Another personal challenge came in November when the family’s beloved golden retriever Ben, who was a sideline sidekick onGameDay,died after a battle with cancer.

“[Our family dog] Ben dies. It was just a lot of emotion, and when you do what we do, you endure. You do your job. I think what happened, when they won, I was so happy for Ryan Day and those players, from what they faced and everything they went through. It was almost like a relief, and it just got the best of me,” Herbstreit added.

Kirk Herbstreit.Justin Casterline/Getty

Justin Casterline/Getty

“I’m a little emotional. I’m just fired up for these guys,” Herbstreit said. “You know, when I call these games, I’m incredibly objective. I love all these Ohio State teams. But this team, because what they went through, to get to this point, you’re just happy. You’re just happy for them.”

source: people.com