5 Things You Didn't Know About Allison Herbstreit: From Ohio State Cheerleader To Her 2024 Health Battle

Allison Herbstreit, the wife of legendary ESPN and Amazon Prime football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has stepped into the spotlight recently, not for her husband's career, but for her own personal journey. As of late 2025, the focus remains on her unwavering support for her family and her own courageous battle with a significant health challenge that was revealed in 2024. This article delves into the life of the woman who has been Kirk's rock for over two decades, exploring her own roots as an Ohio State Buckeye, her role in raising four accomplished sons, and the latest updates on the personal challenges she and the Herbstreit family have faced. Her story is one of quiet strength and deep commitment, providing a powerful backbone to one of the busiest figures in sports media.

Allison Herbstreit: Biography and Profile

Allison Herbstreit, born Alison Butler, has maintained a relatively private life despite her husband’s high-profile career, yet her own background is rooted deeply in the world of college football.

• Full Name: Alison Butler Herbstreit
• Maiden Name: Alison Butler
• Estimated Birth Date: January 1973
• Estimated Age (as of 2025): 52 years old
• Place of Birth: United States (Details not widely public)
• Education: Ohio State University (OSU)
• College Activity: OSU Cheerleader (Member of the squad in 1993)
• Spouse: Kirk Herbstreit (Married since 1998)
• Children: Four Sons: Tye Herbstreit (Twin), Jake Herbstreit (Twin), Zak Herbstreit, and Chase Herbstreit
• Current Residence: Divides time between Ohio and Nashville, Tennessee
• Known For: Wife of ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit and former Ohio State cheerleader.
• Recent News: Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

The Ohio State Love Story: A Cheerleader and a Quarterback

The foundation of Allison and Kirk Herbstreit’s enduring relationship is their shared love for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Their meeting is a classic college football romance story.

Allison, then Alison Butler, was a dedicated cheerleader for the Buckeyes. She was a member of the Ohio State cheerleading squad in 1993, cheering on the team from the sidelines.

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Meanwhile, Kirk Herbstreit was the team's quarterback, a key figure on the field. Their paths crossed in Columbus, Ohio, leading to a long-term relationship that culminated in their marriage in 1998.

Their connection to OSU remains a central part of their lives, even as Kirk’s career has taken him to the highest levels of sports broadcasting. This shared history provides a deep, personal context to Kirk’s commentary on college football, especially the Big Ten.

A Mother of Four: The Next Generation of Herbstreits

Allison and Kirk have raised four sons, all of whom have inherited their parents' passion for sports, particularly football.

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Their family unit includes twin sons, Tye and Jake, who are now 24 years old. Both Tye and Jake followed in their father’s footsteps by playing college football.

Their third son, Zak Herbstreit, is 22. Zak has also made headlines recently, not just for his athletic pursuits, but for joining the sports media world, having been hired by the On3 sports platform.

The youngest son, Chase Herbstreit, continues the family tradition. The supportive environment Allison has cultivated at home has been crucial for Kirk, who has a grueling travel schedule covering both college and NFL games across multiple networks like ESPN and Amazon.

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Allison's role as a supportive partner extends beyond just raising their children; she is credited with helping Kirk navigate the pressures and demands of his demanding career, which often requires him to be away from home.

Allison’s Courageous 2024 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The most significant and recent update about Allison Herbstreit came in 2024 when Kirk Herbstreit publicly shared that his wife, Alison Butler Herbstreit, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

This news brought an outpouring of support from the college football community, with many sending well wishes and prayers to the Herbstreit family.

Kirk has openly discussed how this health challenge has shifted his perspective and attention, highlighting the profound impact it has had on their family life. This personal battle is a testament to Allison’s strength and resilience.

The family has chosen to keep many details of her treatment and recovery private, focusing on her health and well-being. However, Kirk has shared glimpses of their life, emphasizing their unity and resolve during this difficult period. The diagnosis has reinforced the importance of family and health over the constant demands of the sports world, a sentiment Kirk has often expressed in interviews.

The Herbstreit Family's Balancing Act: Ohio, Nashville, and the NFL

The Herbstreit family's life is a complex balancing act due to Kirk's extensive travel and work commitments.

While their roots are firmly planted in Ohio, where they met and raised their family, the couple now divides their time between Ohio and Nashville, Tennessee. This geographical flexibility is necessary to accommodate Kirk’s schedule, which includes covering major college football games and, more recently, the NFL's Thursday Night Football.

Allison Herbstreit is the anchor that allows this demanding lifestyle to function. Her presence and support are what enable Kirk to be one of the busiest and most respected personalities in sports media.

As the family navigates Allison's health journey, their commitment to one another and their sons remains the top priority. The Herbstreits exemplify a strong, private family unit thriving amidst the public scrutiny that comes with a celebrity spouse. Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every successful public figure is often a supportive and resilient partner.