Kirk Herbstreit is navigating a challenging Monday with a lot on his mind.
This past year has been particularly emotional for ESPN’s college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit, who’s now 55. After wrapping up the college football season at the national title game featuring Ohio State against Notre Dame, where the Buckeyes secured a 34-23 victory, Herbstreit found himself overcome with emotion. He later opened up about facing some personal struggles behind the scenes.
His wife, Alison, has been battling breast cancer, which is weighing heavily on him. Earlier in the football season, their oldest dog, Ben, passed away, adding to a string of hardships that also included one of his sons dealing with a heart condition.
“Ally, my wife, had some tough times,” Herbstreit shared. “It’s been a difficult year away from the limelight. My wife getting diagnosed with breast cancer, losing Ben… It was a lot to handle, and in our line of work, you just have to keep pushing through.”
Although the former Buckeyes quarterback has started to find his footing again, Monday morning of Presidents Day brings another heavy reminder of his losses.
The ESPN announcer is grieving the passing of his father on this day dedicated to remembering leaders.
Kirk’s father, Jim Herbstreit, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 17, 1939, passed away on March 17, 2016. Jim had an impressive legacy, serving as co-captain of the 1960 Ohio State football team and later stepping into the role of assistant coach under the legendary Woody Hayes.
Kirk is feeling his father’s absence keenly, as seen in his social media tribute: “Happy Birthday Dad. We miss you. 🙏🏼.”
Jim battled Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosed in 2014, until he passed unexpectedly one Thursday morning in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2016.
“Utterly overwhelmed by the kind messages regarding my Dad’s passing. I’m truly grateful. Thank you all. God Bless,” Kirk wrote back in 2016.
Kirk Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State from 1989 to 1992, grew up immersed in Ohio State culture and credits his passion for football to his father.
Our thoughts are with the Herbstreit family as they reflect on the legacy of their cherished father and grandfather.
