Towards the end of summer, you’ll once again see Kirk Herbstreit doing what he does best on ESPN‘s College Gameday. On the home front, however, Herbstreit is navigating a storm within. He rarely brings up his family in public, and when he does, it’s always with great fondness for his wife and sons. But now, the presenter has to stand by a key member in his family, as she goes through a troubling time. He couldn’t help but send a heartwarming message to her and the rest of the women in his family.

Herbstreit and his wife, Alison Butler, are a lovely couple. They have stuck through thick and thin for over two decades. It’s a classic example of the quarterback-falls-for-cheerleader trope. But in 2024, their story was in for a harrowing twist. Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been battling it ever since. He shared the news on the Pat McAfee show after Ohio State’s National Championship win. “It’s been a tough year for me behind the scenes,” he said. This Mother’s Day, Herbstreit took to Instagram to let the world know about Alison’s invaluable contribution to his and his sons’ lives.

He extended his gratitude not only to Alison but also to the other moms in his family, and everywhere in the world. “Happy Mother’s Day to my own Mom-sister, Teri-my wife Alli-& ALL the Moms today and EVERY day! Moms have the most critical role in our country. Providing a love & support to the children-establishing boundaries & consistently providing encouragement & support throughout our lives!” he wrote. Alison and Kirk share four sons – twins Jake and Tye, Zak, and Chase. All four of them followed in their father’s footsteps, with Zak even ending up at Ohio State for his CFB career.

But behind that strong message was a stretch of Herbstreit’s quiet personal loss. He and Alison are devoted dog parents as well, but lost their beloved Ben to cancer in November 2024. His son Zak suffered a shocking heart failure in 2023, that too before his 21st birthday. It forced Zak to medically retire from football, but HC Ryan Day stood with the family in support. Moved by the recollection of all these trying times, Herbstreit became emotional on the post-game show with Scott Van Pelt. “I’m a little emotional. I’m just fired up for these guys,” he said, in light of Ohio State’s win being a major upside in his life, while he faced some serious challenges.

Herbstreit values the women in his family deeply and occasionally shares that with the world. As he stands by his wife’s battle against cancer, he’s also honoring the sacrifices she made while taking on that role. Amidst all of this, he’s also making sure that the plans that the family had made before Alison’s diagnosis get to see their day.

Kirk Herbstreit is leaving Ohio once again

The Herbstreit family has been moving back and forth between Nashville and Ohio. They had been living in the city where they built their lives around until 2011. Herbstreit implied that the reason for their move was mistreatment from the OSU fans, well known for being the most passionate group in the community. “I’ve got a job to do, and I’m going to continue to be fair and objective. To continue to have to defend myself and my family in regards to my love and devotion to Ohio State is unfair,” he told The Columbus Dispatch. However, despite the friction, he and Alison continue to treasure OSU in their hearts.

In 2021, they moved back to Ohio for Chase’s high school years. But now, that chapter is done, as his son wraps up his prep career. The Herbstreits will move back to Nashville. “Our goal was to go back to our home in Nashville,” he told Donnie Evege. “We’re going to go back on June 1st, and we’re excited about that. One of the things my wife and I talk about, we miss, is there a trail. We just love it, and we go every day, and we miss that so much,” he said. Herbstreit never sold his home in that city and was living in a rental while Chase attended high school in Ohio.

It’s not easy being a CFB broadcaster, especially with passionate groups like OSU fans in the mix. They won’t hold back their words if the situation demands such a reaction. Like all other presenters, Herbstreit, too, has weathered it all and is ready to begin another chapter of his life. But it will also carry the subject of his wife battling an evil disease. In this challenging time, Herbstreit is doing what he has always done. Showing up for his family and work while acknowledging all the hard work and sacrifices his wife has made so far.