Ohio State Win Brings Kirk Herbstreit to Tears
Emotions were running high for ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit and the college football world on Monday night as Ohio State claimed its ninth national title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. As Herbstreit watched the Buckeyes emerge victorious, his emotions became overwhelmed, leading him to become reflective on the team’s resilient performance.
As Herbstreit discussed the adversity the team overcame next to his colleague Chris Fowler, he began to well up with tears. Despite his efforts to hold them back, they ultimately spilled over. “I’m a little emotional. I’m just fired up for these guys,” Herbstreit explained to ESPN colleague Scott Van Pelt.
This isn’t the first time Herbstreit has become emotional on live television. Last fall, he became overcome with tears discussing his beloved golden retriever, Ben, who was diagnosed with cancer. Ben had been a constant presence on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” and Herbstreit wrote on social media that the family had made the difficult decision to put him down in November.
This season, Herbstreit has faced personal and professional adversity, including his team’s early loss to Michigan and the emotional goodbye with his loyal companion, Ben. His emotional display after the championship win was a testament to the emotional investment he has in Ohio State and its success.
Fans across the country may be familiar with the feeling of emotional overwhelm after their favorite team wins a championship. Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback himself, embodies the passion and pride that comes with being an alumni and sports analyst. His ability to express and process his emotions on live television is a relatable reminder of the powerful emotions that can be tied to team loyalty and triumph.
