No one knows the intensity of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry better than Kirk Herbstreit.
Herbstreit, a former OSU player, is no stranger to the fierce competition, and he’s also been deeply involved with the Buckeyes as a parent.
His son Zak has battled health issues but was a very much a respected member of this year’s national championship team.
However, in a surprising twist, Herbstreit’s younger son, Chase, recently committed to Michigan. The announcement came in December and took many by surprise.
A quarterback recruit who had long been a loyal Ohio State fan, Chase decided that his best opportunity for success would be found wearing the maize and blue of rival Michigan.
The rivalry between the schools became even more evident this week when a photo of Kirk Herbstreit wearing Michigan colors during Chase’s official visit went viral on social media.
The image was shared by Trevor McCue of Maize & Blue Review, showing Herbstreit proudly supporting his son despite the intense rivalry between the schools.
“Michigan QB Chase Herbstreit on his official visit with his family, including father Kirk. The OSU alum wearing blue and supporting his son. I’ve heard a lot of awful stories from recruiting with parents, yeah the rivalry, but maybe just props for being a good dad,” McCue posted on X.
The image sparked a wave of (mostly) positive reactions from fans on both sides of the rivalry.
While the Michigan-Ohio State matchup is one of the most heated in all of sports, the sight of Herbstreit supporting his son was seen as a heartwarming display of family unity.
Somewhat surprisingly, Michigan fans seemed to embrace Herbie as one of their own after seeing the image…
“I see nothing wrong. I’m a huge 〽️ fan. I bought and wore an OSU jersey for my son who’s a huge OSU fan, when I took him to his first game in the Shoe. 🤷🏼♂️ still wore an 〽️ t shirt under it, tho.”
“Its more than the color of the uniform.
Even if he never plays, he will get a high quality education and have a successful life.
A parent cannot be disappointed at that.
Ryan Day should have offered but Day is not that sort of person.”
“Awesome for Chase! And cheers to Herbie and Mom for being great parents. Rivalries are important, but family above all.”
“He will probably get heat for this from the OSU fanbase, but he doesn’t care. That’s his boy and he is proud of him like any good father would be. Family first mindset. Kudos to you Kirk Herbstreit.”
“Made it about supporting his son, that’s all that matters, not that he is from the rival. Much respect for Kirk.”
“Nice to see a celebrity like Kirk Herbstreit get the opportunity to be just a dad. Good for him and his son.”
“What’s with them standing in front of a massive explosion?”
“He’s a pro. And clearly a good dad. I hope nobody says anything negative about this. It’s as good an example as you’ll find and as unselfish as you can be.”
Unfortunately, the Herbstreit family has faced significant personal challenges recently.
Last month, after Ohio State’s victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game, Herbstreit opened up on “The Pat McAfee Show” about his wife Ali’s battle with breast cancer.
“I haven’t really talked about this publicly, but Ali my wife faced some stuff. It’s been a tough year for me behind the scenes,” Herbstreit said.
“My wife got diagnosed with breast cancer, Ben dies, it was just a lot of emotion. And when you do what we do, you endure. You do your job. And I think what happened, I couldn’t predict it, but when they won … it was like almost, I don’t know, maybe a release of all that pent-up stuff. And it just got the best of me.
“I’m an emotional guy in general and when things touch my heart, I’m not good at talking when that happens.”
What are your thoughts on the whole situation?
It’s not like Herbie is always popular in Columbus. Many Ohio State fans get upset with him for a variety of reasons.
With Chase’s commitment, are Michigan fans taking this opportunity to claim “Wolverine Herbie” as their own???
