Kirk Herbstreit is a color anchor for college games on ABC and ESPN. Besides, he is also a sports analyst for ESPN‘s weekly program College GameDay. Further, he is also an acclaimed writer and producer. Earlier, he was a commentator for EA Sports’ NCAA Football, an American football video game series. Kirk is a graduate of Ohio State University, where he was a starter and team co-captain as a senior quarterback. Moreover, he was a key member of the squad during his senior seasons. Likewise, he also won an Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year award. In addition, Kirk was a great baseball and basketball player during his college years.
Subsequently, Kirk joined ESPN in 1995. Thus, he became the face and voice of college football as a member of the critically lauded College GameDay show. Besides, he also went on to become the primary analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports primetime game broadcasts. He has received many Sports Emmys as an event analyst and as a studio analyst. Thus, he is also the most successful ESPN commentator in the network’s history.
Discover the bio and wiki of Kirk Herbstreit, including his age, height, and weight. Learn about his successful broadcasting career at ESPN, where he covers college football. Explore his personal life, including details about his wife and sons. Find out about his notable achievements, such as his NFL career and his impressive salary. Additionally, gain insights into his net worth and other intriguing aspects of his life.
Kirk Herbstreit Biography/Wiki
| Celebrated Name: | Kirk Herbstreit |
|---|---|
| Real Name/Full Name: | Kirk Herbstreit |
| Gender: | Male |
| Age: | 53 years old |
| Birth Date: | 19 August 1969 |
| Birth Place: | Centerville, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Height: | 1.93 m |
| Weight: | 65 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name): | Alison Butler (m. 1998) |
| Children: | Yes (Chase Herbstreit, Zak Herbstreit, Jake Herbstreit, Tye Herbstreit) |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name): |
N/A |
| Profession: | American analyst for ESPN’s College GameDay |
| Net Worth in 2022: | $6 million |
Birth and Family
Kirk Herbstreit, born on August 19, 1969, in Centerville, Montgomery County, Ohio, comes from a family with a strong sports background. His parents, Jim Herbstreit and Judy Herbstreit, played a significant role in shaping his athletic journey.
From high school onwards, Kirk displayed remarkable skills in football, basketball, and baseball. Growing up with a father who had played football, Kirk developed a passion for the sport and honed his abilities under his guidance. He also developed a keen interest in sports commentary and broadcasting, inspired by watching and listening to games.
During his high school years, Kirk showcased his talent as a quarterback for the school team. His exceptional performance led to him being honored with the prestigious Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year award in his senior year.
Kirk Herbstreit Education
After graduating from Centerville High School in Centerville, Ohio, Kirk Herbstreit continued his academic and athletic journey at Ohio State University. At Ohio State, he excelled both on the football field and in other sports.
As a student-athlete, Kirk played quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. His talent and dedication were evident not only in football but also in basketball and baseball, where he showcased his skills. Kirk’s versatility and athleticism were on full display during his college years.
In 1993, Kirk Herbstreit graduated from Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. His time at the university not only shaped his academic pursuits but also laid the foundation for his successful career in sports broadcasting.
Kirk Herbstreit College Career
During his college years at Ohio State University, Kirk Herbstreit left an indelible mark on the football program, particularly during his senior year.
After committing to Ohio State following the appointment of head coach John Cooper in 1988, Kirk became the first player to pledge to the Buckeyes. He proved his worth over the next five years, earning four letters and establishing himself as a key player for the team.
In 1992, as a senior, Kirk assumed the role of starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. Prior to this, he patiently waited for his turn behind Greg Frey and Kent Graham. He served as a co-captain alongside linebacker Steve Tovar, showcasing his leadership qualities. That season, Kirk’s exceptional performance led to him being named the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Throughout the season, Kirk demonstrated his passing skills, amassing a total of 1,904 passing yards. He achieved this feat in four games, where he threw for 200 yards or more. However, despite his impressive contributions, the team experienced a defeat in the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Kirk and his father, Jim Herbstreit, hold the distinction of being the second father-son duo to lead the Ohio State football team. Jim Herbstreit was a co-captain for the 1960 team, alongside offensive tackle Jim Tyrer. Furthermore, Jim went on to become an assistant coach at Ohio State under the legendary Woody Hayes.
Additionally, Kirk set a record for the most passes completed by an Ohio State player at that time. In a 13-13 tie game in 1992, he completed 28 passes for 271 yards. This record stood until it was surpassed by Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner.
Kirk Herbstreit Post-Playing Career
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Kirk Herbstreit transitioned into a successful career as a sports commentator and analyst. He joined the expert panel of ESPN College GameDay, where he provided insightful discussions, analysis, and profiles of college football games, highlights, and players. He worked alongside notable personalities such as Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Maria Taylor, and Lee Corso.
Subsequently, Kirk expanded his role as a co-analyst for ABC Sports’ college football primetime series, partnering with Chris Fowler. His expertise and engaging commentary earned him a nomination for a 1997 Sports Emmy Award for TV’s best studio analyst.
In addition to his broadcasting roles, Kirk served as a color commentator and sideline reporter for Thursday night games on ESPN. He further showcased his talents as a Saturday night college football game commentator on ABC. Additionally, he hosted a weekly college football radio show on Columbus’ 97.1 The Fan.
Beyond his broadcasting career, Kirk Herbstreit ventured into writing and authored a memoir titled “Out of the Pocket.” The book offers a deeply personal and sincere account, exploring themes of father-son relationships, resilience, and the impact of football.
Kirk Herbstreit Broadcasting Career
Since joining ESPN in 1996, Kirk Herbstreit has become an influential figure in sports broadcasting, acknowledged for his expertise as a sports anchor and analyst. He rose to prominence as the lead anchor of ESPN’s College GameDay, an esteemed college football program, and left a lasting impression through his analysis in EA Sports’ NCAA Football series.
Herbstreit’s skills are not confined to college football. He further demonstrated his acumen on the panel of “Who’s Now” in 2007, alongside Keyshawn Johnson and Michael Wilbon. His written contributions include a weekly column “Inside The Game With Kirk Herbstreit” for The Sporting News and regular analysis for SportsCenter, Get Up, ESPN.com, and ESPN The Magazine.
In 2018, Herbstreit filled the void left by Jon Gruden in ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage, marking his foray into analyzing professional football. Collaborating with his College GameDay peers, he headed ABC’s coverage of the Draft’s initial two nights.
Herbstreit’s NFL analysis portfolio expanded further in 2020, when he and Chris Fowler presented the inaugural game of the Monday Night Football Kickoff Week doubleheader. They also oversaw a special Monday Night Football MegaCast on ESPN2, coinciding with the historic inaugural NFL game in Las Vegas and the 50th anniversary of Monday Night Football. Moreover, Herbstreit has lent his expertise to shows like Pardon the Interruption and Mike & Mike.
On March 23, 2022, Herbstreit’s career took a significant leap when he was announced as the new color commentator for Thursday Night Football on Prime Video. Teaming up with NFL play-by-play legend Al Michaels, this move was accompanied by an ESPN contract extension, which confirmed his continued roles on GameDay, Saturday Night Football, and the NFL Draft, in addition to his duties for Amazon’s NFL coverage.
Kirk Herbstreit Net Worth
Kirk Herbstreit, an Emmy Award-winning college football commentator, has been working with ESPN for over 26 years. He has a multi-year contract extension with ESPN and continues to serve as a studio and game analyst on College GameDay and ABC Saturday Night Football. As of 2022, he was also announced to call NFL games exclusively for Amazon.
In terms of his income, it’s reported that Herbstreit is making $10 million per year for his deal with Amazon Prime, and this doesn’t include the money he’s earning from ESPN. According to the New York Post, his total 2022 salary was somewhere around $18 million, combining his earnings from ESPN and Amazon​​. He is reportedly earning around $8 million per year from his role at ESPN.
Herbstreit’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, although net worth calculators are not always entirely accurate, and with his current earnings, his net worth should be much higher than $12 million​​. However, another source reported his net worth as of 2023 to be $6 million​.
As for his assets, Herbstreit owns a house in Franklin, Tennessee. The house, built in 2007, boasts 11,000 square feet of living space, featuring six bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, a three-story curved staircase, an elevator, a home gym, and a home theater.
In terms of contracts, Herbstreit’s contract with ESPN extends until at least 2027. He also has a contract with Amazon to commentate for NFL “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video, but the length of this contract has not been disclosed​​. He also had a contract with Electronic Arts, where he made regular appearances as a commentator in EA Sports’ NCAA Football video game until the series was suspended after NCAA Football 14 due to licensing issues​.
Awards
Kirk Herbstreit has garnered significant recognition and accolades for his outstanding contributions to sports broadcasting. His remarkable work has earned him five Sports Emmy Awards, a testament to his excellence in the field.
Among his accolades, Kirk has won the prestigious Outstanding Studio Analyst award three times. He received this honor in 2010, 2011, and 2019, showcasing his exceptional ability to provide insightful analysis and commentary in the studio setting.
Additionally, Kirk has been recognized with two Outstanding Event Analyst awards. He received this distinction in 2018 and 2020, further solidifying his expertise in delivering exceptional analysis during live sports events.
Kirk Herbstreit Contract & Salary
Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent sports commentator known for his work with ESPN, has recently signed a multi-year contract extension with the network. As part of this extension, he will continue his role as a studio and game analyst for College GameDay and as an analyst in the booth on ABC Saturday Night Football. He will also remain the lead analyst on the College Football Playoff and contribute to ESPN’s extensive multi-platform programming surrounding the sport. In addition to his work with ESPN, it was announced that Herbstreit would be calling NFL games exclusively for Amazon starting in 2023.
As for his salary, it’s reported that Herbstreit makes around $18 million per year with his combined deals from Amazon Prime and ESPN. Specifically, he makes “$10-plus million per year” with Amazon Prime.
In terms of his contracts, Herbstreit has a three-year extension with ESPN, on top of two years that were already remaining on his contract. The length of his Amazon contract has not been disclosed, although it’s known that the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” deal with Amazon runs through the 2033 season.
Kirk Herbstreit Legal Case
Kirk is also notable for a 2009 lawsuit against the IRS. His complaint was about the IRS changing an implied policy of allowing deductions for house donations to the fire department. In March, the former quarterback and ESPN analyst sued the IRS for denying him and Alison a $330K tax benefit. They had gifted their home to the Upper Arlington Fire Department.
For 2 decades, Upper Arlington residents wanting to build new homes on property where old ones stood had made donations. Besides, they also took advantage of the tax break. The firefighters used these historic houses for training and burn-down drills.
The IRS did not question any deductions until 2004, as per Columbus lawyer Terry Grady. However, 2004 was the same year in which the Herbstreits gave away their home. The IRS decision, which came after an audit, cost Kirk $134,606 in back taxes and interest. Thus,
Thus, Kirk and Alison had paid the IRS what they were owed and were then suing for their money back.
Kirk Herbstreit Wife & Children
Kirk Herbstreit, renowned sports analyst and former quarterback, found love during his college years at Ohio State University, where he met his wife, Alison Herbstreit (formerly known as Alison Butler). Kirk’s time as the school’s quarterback coincided with Alison’s role as a cheerleader for the team. The couple’s relationship blossomed over the years, and they tied the knot in 1998. Together, they are proud parents to four children: Chase, twins Jake and Tye, and Zak.
While the Herbstreit family resided in Ohio and Nashville for a period, they have recently returned to their roots in Ohio. Although Alison prefers to maintain a low profile on social media, Kirk shared a heartfelt Mother’s Day message featuring her and their children in the previous year, expressing his appreciation for their family bond.
All of Kirk and Alison’s sons have inherited their father’s passion for football and have showcased their skills on the field. Jake and Zak both pursued collegiate football careers, with both initially playing for the Clemson Tigers. However, Jake made a decision to transfer to Ohio State University to concentrate on his academic pursuits. Currently, he is a summer intern on The Pat McAfee Show, as mentioned in his Instagram bio. Meanwhile, Zak, a talented tight end, also joined his brother at Ohio State as a preferred walk-on for the Buckeyes in 2021.
Social Work
Kirk actively engages in numerous charitable endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. Some noteworthy examples of his involvement include his participation in the 2012 Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and his support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the Ultimate Sports Auction.
Kirk’s contributions to the community extend even further, as evidenced by the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic, an event held in Columbus, Ohio, and Arlington, Texas, which proudly bears his name. This organization selects the top high school football teams from Ohio and Texas and facilitates their preparation for challenging matchups against formidable opponents from across the country over the Labor Day weekend. In Ohio, these exciting games are held at Ohio Stadium, while in Texas, they are typically hosted at AT&T Stadium.
Most Common Facts About Kirk Herbstreit
Therefore, we present before you the most common searches about this football star and top sports analyst. Ahead is a compiled list of all the top facts about Kirk Herbstreit on the web.
Kirk Herbstreit Age
 Kirk Herbstreit is 53 years old as of 2023. He was born on August 19, 1969
Kirk Herbstreit Birthday
His birthday falls on August 19.
Kirk Herbstreit Full Name
Well, his actual name is Kirk Edward Herbstreit.
Kirk Herbstreit Zodiac
Leo is his sun sign.
Kirk Herbstreit Height
Herbstreit is quite tall, standing at a height of 6 ft 4 in (193.0 cm)​.
Kirk Herbstreit Weight
Herbstreit weighs 209 lb or 95 kg.
Kirk Herbstreit Father
Kirk Herbstreit’s father is Jim Herbstreit. Jim Herbstreit was a co-captain of the 1960 Ohio State team and later served as an assistant coach at Ohio State under Woody Hayes. He also worked as a football coach and athletic director at Centerville High School in Ohio, where Kirk attended high school.
Kirk Herbstreit Wife
Well, Kirk exchanged wedding vows with Alison Butler in 1998. They met at Ohio State, where Kirk was a star soccer player and Alison was a cheerleader.
Kirk Herbstreit Sons
Kirk is a father to four sons – Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase. The first two are twins, born in 2000. While Zak’s birth took place in 2003, Chase’s birth took place in 2006.
Kirk Herbstreit Ohio State University
Kirk attended Ohio State University for college. As a senior, he was also named Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year. After John Cooper became the head coach at Ohio State, Kirk became the first player to pledge to the Buckeyes.
Besides, he was a four-year letter winner at Ohio State as a quarterback from 1989 to 1993. Kirk has the record for pass completions in the rivalry game against Michigan at Ohio State.
Kirk Herbstreit NFL
He was a quarterback for the Ohio State football team in the NFL at the time. From 1989 to 1993, he was a player who saw action in many games during his junior season. This was before he became the starting quarterback for the entire season though.
Kirk Herbstreit NFL Stats
- Pass Completions – 155
- % of Pass Completions – 58.7%
- Pass Attempts – 264
- Passing Yards – 1904
- Passing Yards per attempt – 7.2
- Adjusted Passing Yards per attempt – 6.5
- Passing Interceptions – 6
- Passing Efficiency Rating – 119.7
- Total Plays – 339
- Total Yards – 1875
