Kirk Herbstreit—college football’s golden voice, the guy who makes Saturday mornings worth waking up for. But behind every legend is a story untold, and this one’s about Alison Butler, the woman who’s been running the Herbstreit playbook off the field. Who is she? How did a cheerleader end up as the quarterback’s biggest cheerleader in life? And oh, there’s more. Think family, fortunes, and yes, even golden retrievers. Let’s dive in.
Kirk Herbstreit’s life has been a highlight reel, starting with his days as the Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback from 1989 to 1992. Following in his father Jim Herbstreit’s footsteps, Kirk became a captain just like his old man. Fast forward to 1995, and he’s in the booth, making ESPN his second home. By 1996, he was cementing his name as the analytical voice of College GameDay, bagging five Sports Emmy Awards along the way. Now, between 33 games and 16 GameDay episodes in 2023, the man barely has time to breathe. But let’s not forget the real MVP here—Alison Butler, the former Ohio State cheerleader who became his rock when life turned into a high-speed blitz.
Who is Kirk Herbstreit’s Wife Alison Butler and Family?
Let’s talk about Alison, the silent force behind the Herbstreit dynasty. Married to Kirk since 1998, she’s not just any cheerleader. Alison repped Ohio State like a boss back in the day, cheering on her Buckeyes while Kirk called the shots on the field. “Her time as a cheerleader is etched in Buckeye history,” shared Chris Fowler in a nostalgic moment on The Dan Patrick Show. Fowler even spilled how Alison’s connections got College GameDay’s Lee Corso the iconic Brutus the Buckeye head. Talk about insider privileges!
Now, the Herbstreit family isn’t your average crew—they’re practically football royalty. Kirk and Alison have four sons: Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase. Jake and Tye suited up for Clemson, but Jake later transferred back to Ohio State (because, let’s be real, the Buckeye pull is strong). Zak joined Ohio State in 2021 as a tight end, while Chase is out here making moves as a high school quarterback. The Herbstreit home is football central, but Alison’s the one keeping the gears turning while Kirk racks up air miles covering games coast-to-coast.
Their life and challenge beyond the gridiron and net worth
Life off the field isn’t always smooth sailing. In 2011, the Herbstreits moved from Ohio to Nashville after receiving backlash from a few overzealous Buckeye fans. But true to form, they adapted, splitting time between Nashville and Cincinnati so Chase could finish high school. Through it all, Kirk has been vocal about how Alison’s unwavering support keeps the family grounded. “She’s the glue that holds us together,” Kirk once shared. And let’s not forget their squad of golden retrievers—Peter, Theo, Mitch, and the late Ben. Losing Ben to leukemia in November 2024 had whole college football world upside down, but Kirk’s heartfelt tribute on Instagram showed just how much their furry family means to them.
And what about the dollar signs? Kirk’s estimated net worth lands somewhere between $14 and $20 million. He’s raking in $4 million annually from ESPN and another $10 million from Amazon for NFL commentary. But it’s not just about the money—it’s the legacy. From Kirk’s playing days to his father Jim’s Buckeye roots and Alison’s cheerleading history, the Herbstreits bleed scarlet and gray. Even now, Kirk’s advocating for the revival of the NCAA Football video game series, proving that some traditions are worth fighting for.
So, who is Alison Butler? She’s the woman who’s been calling the plays behind the scenes, the glue that holds the Herbstreit dynasty together. From Buckeye sidelines to raising four football sons, Alison’s story is just as cool as Kirk’s rise to sports commentary royalty. Together, they’ve built a life that’s equal parts chaos, touchdowns, and golden retrievers. Ain’t that the real American dream?
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