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Kirk Herbstreit revealed a personal reason why his emotions ran high during the College Football Playoff National Championship telecast.
Herbstreit, 55, was seen wiping away tears match on Monday, January 20 between his alma mater Ohio State and Notre Dame, where the Buckeyes beat the Fighting Irish 34-23.
“I haven’t really talked about it publicly, but. Alimy wife, she faced some things,” Herbsteit said on ESPN The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, January 21. “It’s been a tough year for me behind the scenes. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Kirk and Ali married in June 1998 and the couple have four sons: twins You and Jake24, Disciple22 a Chase18.
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In addition to the diagnosis of his wife, Herbstreit beloved golden retriever Ben died of cancer in November 2024.
Alison Herbstreit and their 4 children
Courtesy of Kirk Herbstreit/Instagram“Ben dying, it was just a lot of emotion,” Herbstreit continued. “And if you do what we do, you’ll last. You know, you’re doing your job. And I think what happened – I couldn’t have predicted it, but when they won, I was so happy for it (Ohio State head coach) Ryan Day and those players that I just talked about because of what they faced and all the things behind the scenes. It was almost like, I don’t know, maybe releasing all that pent up stuff. It just got the best of me.”
Herbstreit’s son Zak was a senior on Ohio State’s roster. In June 2023, Zak spent five days in the hospital due to a heart condition. Although Zak has not seen any game action this season, he has been an important part of the team’s day-to-day activities.
“My son had heart failure two years ago,” said Kirk McAfee, 37. I’m thankful that Ryan Day hugged Zak and let him be. You know, he’s almost like a (graduate assistant) with what he’s been doing.”
Kirk Herbstreit paid tribute to his late dog, Ben, during ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast Saturday, Nov. 9. “Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but what do you call a dog that becomes a nation’s best friend? You call him Ben,” Herbstreit, 55, said in a pre-recorded video message that aired Saturday. “I will (…)
Kirk added, “So there was that side of me looking down and seeing him in his jersey after, you know, potentially facing having your heart replaced.”
In the end, Kirk said his emotional moment on the air “isn’t something you think about or predict. It’s like a perfect storm for me.”
After the national championship, Kirk posted a candid moment via Instagram between him and Zak in the bowels of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I love you Zach! Congratulations,” Kirk captioned a picture of father and son hugging. “What a special night!”
