ESPN Broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit’s Emotional Outburst After Ohio State’s National Championship Win Reveals Personal Struggles
ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit’s emotional display after Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship win was not just about the team’s victory, but about his own personal struggles. In a post-game interview on “The Pat McAfee Show”, Herbstreit revealed that his wife, Ally, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and their son, Zak, a walk-on tight end for the Buckeyes, underwent heart failure two years ago and had to medically retire.
Herbstreit, a four-year letterman at Ohio State as a quarterback, said the combination of his family’s challenges and the team’s incredible season made him emotional, leading to a breakdown on live TV. “It was almost like a perfect storm for me…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,” he said.
The Herbstreits met at Ohio State, where they were married and have four sons together. Kirk was visibly emotional during the post-game show, prompting an on-camera hug from his colleague Chris Fowler.
As the broadcast of the Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory came to a close, Herbstreit seemed particularly moved by the team’s resilience this season, sharing that his own personal struggles made him feel grateful for the team’s success.
