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Allison Butler Herbstreit: 5 Facts About Kirk Herbstreit's Wife And Her Recent Health Battle

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Alison Butler Herbstreit, the wife of legendary college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has been a steadfast, yet largely private, presence supporting one of sports media's biggest stars for over two decades. As of late 2024 and into December 2025, the family has faced one of their most significant personal challenges, which Kirk Herbstreit recently shared publicly, bringing a new focus to the woman behind the ESPN and Amazon *Thursday Night Football* voice.

The Herbstreit family's life, often centered around the high-energy world of college football, took a deeply personal turn when Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. This revelation, shared by her husband in early 2025, highlights the strength and resilience of a woman who has been Kirk's rock since their college days at Ohio State University. From their beginnings as a quarterback and a cheerleader to raising four sons who all followed their father into college football, Alison's journey is one of dedication, family, and now, a public health battle.

Alison Butler Herbstreit: Biography and Profile

Alison Butler Herbstreit, known for her quiet strength and deep connection to the Ohio State University community, has built a life centered on family and support for her husband's demanding career. Her story begins where their famous love story did: on the sidelines of college football.

  • Full Name: Alison Butler Herbstreit (Maiden Name: Alison Butler)
  • Date of Birth: January 15, 1973
  • Age (as of December 2025): 52 years old
  • Hometown/Upbringing: Grew up in Ohio
  • Education: Ohio State University (OSU)
  • Role at OSU: Cheerleader for the Ohio State Buckeyes
  • Spouse: Kirk Herbstreit (Married since 1998)
  • Children: Four Sons: Tye Herbstreit (Twin, b. 2000), Jake Herbstreit (Twin, b. 2000), Zak Herbstreit (b. 2002), and Chase Herbstreit (b. 2006)
  • Current Residence: Nashville, Tennessee (Franklin area)
  • Known For: Wife of Kirk Herbstreit, Charitable Involvement, College Football Family Matriarch

The Ohio State Love Story: A Quarterback and a Cheerleader

The foundation of Kirk and Alison Herbstreit’s enduring relationship is firmly rooted in the vibrant atmosphere of Ohio State University football. Their connection began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period that would define both their personal lives and Kirk's future career.

Alison Butler was a dedicated cheerleader for the Ohio State Buckeyes, often seen on the sidelines of the legendary Ohio Stadium. Kirk, meanwhile, was the team's quarterback, a key figure in the Buckeyes' offense and a future captain. They met while both were deeply entrenched in the OSU athletic program, sharing a mutual passion for the game and the university community.

Their college romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership, culminating in their marriage in 1998. Alison’s background as a cheerleader is often cited as a key factor in her understanding of the intense pressure and travel demands of Kirk’s career, first as a player and later as the lead analyst for ESPN’s *College GameDay* and Amazon’s *Thursday Night Football*.

The couple has been married for over 27 years, a testament to their strong bond through the highs of Kirk’s rise to sports media fame and the personal challenges they have faced, including raising four sons and navigating major family health issues.

A Family of Four Sons: The Next Generation of College Football

Alison and Kirk Herbstreit are the proud parents of four sons, all of whom have inherited their father's love for football and a commitment to the college game. The Herbstreit family has become a veritable college football dynasty, with the boys playing at various major programs.

The eldest are twin brothers, Tye and Jake, born in 2000. Both started their college football careers at Clemson University. Tye later transferred to Ohio State, following in his parents' footsteps, while Jake moved into a support role for the Buckeyes.

Their third son, Zak, born in 2002, also played college football as a tight end. The family faced a major scare when Zak was diagnosed with heart failure, a personal struggle that Kirk has spoken about as a challenging period for the whole family.

The youngest son, Chase, born in 2006, is currently a high school quarterback. To support Chase’s high school career, the family made a significant logistical decision, maintaining a residence in Cincinnati, Ohio, while their primary family home remains in Franklin, a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.

Alison's Recent Health Battle: The Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The most significant and recent update regarding Alison Butler Herbstreit is the revelation of her breast cancer diagnosis. In January 2025, Kirk Herbstreit publicly shared that Alison had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

Kirk spoke about the diagnosis during a major broadcast, explaining that his wife's health scare was the reason for a particularly emotional moment he had experienced earlier. He noted that the diagnosis and subsequent treatment have been a source of "a lot of emotion" for the entire family. The news brought an outpouring of support from the college football community, recognizing the private battle the Herbstreit family has been fighting behind the scenes.

Alison’s resilience and strength in the face of this challenge have been a source of inspiration for her husband. While the family has kept the specifics of her ongoing treatment private, the public acknowledgment in early 2025 ensured that the latest news about Alison was centered on her personal fight for health.

Life in Nashville and Charitable Involvement

While the Herbstreit family is synonymous with Ohio State and the world of college football, their primary residence is in Nashville, Tennessee. They moved to the Franklin area of Nashville over a decade ago, a decision Kirk made partly to escape the intense scrutiny and pressure his family faced in Ohio.

Despite her preference for privacy, Alison is not entirely removed from the public eye. She is actively involved in charitable work, often supporting her husband's philanthropic efforts. Most notably, she contributes to the Kirk Herbstreit National Football Foundation, which aims to provide support and resources to young athletes and the broader community.

Her role, according to those close to the family, has always been a major behind-the-scenes impact on Kirk’s demanding career, providing the stability and support necessary for his frequent travel and high-profile job on *College GameDay*. Alison Butler Herbstreit remains the quiet anchor of the family, navigating the world of professional sports, raising four young men, and bravely facing her personal health journey with the full support of her husband and sons.

kirk herbstreit wife
kirk herbstreit wife

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