Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

Ally Herbstreit, wife of Kirk Herbstreit, was diagnosed with breast cancer, while their son, Zak, faced heart failure while playing for the Buckeyes two years ago.

Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.
Ohio State's national championship victory left ESPN broadcaster in tears, and he explains the reason behind it.

Kirk Herbstreit, an ESPN broadcaster, was visibly emotional after watching his alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes, win the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The reason for his emotional state is now known.

On "The Pat McAfee Show," Herbstreit discussed his son's medical complications and revealed that his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Herbstreit shared with McAfee and his crew how he felt during the post-game show as Ohio State celebrated the victory. He explained that his son had heart failure two years ago, and they were discussing a heart replacement for a while. Despite having to medically retire, he was grateful for Ryan Day's support and inclusion of Zak in the celebration.

ABC football analyst Kirk Herbstreit looks on before the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Nov. 23, 2019 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
ABC football analyst Kirk Herbstreit looks on before the college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the Arizona State Sun Devils on Nov. 23, 2019 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

My wife, Ally, has faced some challenges this year. I've had a tough time behind the scenes, with my wife being diagnosed with breast cancer and our family dog, Ben, passing away. It's been an emotional journey, but as a professional, we endure and do our job.

"When they won, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness for Ryan Day and the players, despite the challenges they faced. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders."

Kirk and Ally Herbstreit met at Ohio State, where Kirk played quarterback and Ally cheered. They had four sons together, including Zak, who remained with the Buckeyes despite having to retire due to heart failure.

During the postgame show, Scott Van Pelt chose to interview Ohio State alum Herbstreit after seeing him crying following the Buckeyes' 34-23 victory alongside Chris Fowler.

Herbstreit did not reveal what he said to McAfee, but he did discuss the resiliency of this Buckeyes team this season.

Kirk Herbstreit at the Peach Bowl
ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit is on the field prior to the College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Dec. 31, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Herbstreit, who grew up near Ohio State in Centerville, told Van Pelt during the postgame show, "Oh, don’t start with me, man. I’m a little emotional. I’m just fired up for these guys."

"I am incredibly objective when I refer to these games. Despite my love for all Ohio State teams, this team's journey to reach this point makes me particularly happy."

In the broadcast booth, Herbstreit wiped away tears with a handkerchief as Fowler continued to speak.

Kirk Herbstreit on TNF
Kirk Herbstreit looks on from the sideline prior to the "Thursday Night Football" game on Amazon Prime at FedEx Field on Oct. 5, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Despite the challenges he faced personally this year, Herbstreit persevered through the college and NFL seasons while working alongside Al Michaels on "Thursday Night Football" for Prime Video.

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by Scott Thompson

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