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College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit took a brief break from X near the end of the season. He cited online negativity in his reasoning.
When first making that admission, he insinuated that he’d been off of the social media site for some time. He clarified those comments on Tuesday.
In a January interview with Andy and Ari, Herbstreit said that he’d deleted the app “a long time ago.” He then claimed that his son had been posting on his account in the meantime.
How long that departure lasted was unknown. Given the combative nature of some of his spats with college football followers, he seemed to be throwing his son somewhat under the bus.
Herbstreit walked back those initial remarks on Tuesday in a series of replies to his online following.
Just took a break from it during the season. I think Twitter is great and enjoy the back and forth with fans. Sorry for any confusion.
–Kirk Herbstreit on X
He then opened up on his personal life, which led to the social media hiatus. Avoiding the negative squabbling was essential for his well-being.
Had a lot going on with my family and found it best for my own mental health to avoid the trolls and people with bad intentions. So just decided to avoid the noise during that period. My son posted a few things for me once in a while. Did that interview with Andy and Ari when I stepped away from it back in December. I get on periodically now but not a big fan of the negativity.
-Kirk Herbstreit on X
Herbstreit spoke on some of those struggles after Ohio State’s national championship win in January. They included health concerns surrounding his son, his wife’s cancer diagnosis, and the passing of his dog, Ben.
Being in a positive headspace was a priority. Social media took a backseat. With that said, he’s returned this offseason.
Kirk Herbstreit responds to graphic detailing son’s commitment to Michigan.
The analyst’s son, Chase, committed to play for the Wolverines last year. Kirk says he was shunned by his alma mater, Ohio State, after the fact.
Despite the pledge to a rival, Herbstreit continues to support Chase. In fact, he hyped the commitment on Tuesday with a repost on X.
In that response, he actually corrected an ESPN college football account for its description of Michigan colors. It’s “maize and blue,” not blue and yellow!
Kirk Herbstreit on X
The account deleted the post shortly after the correction. Herbstreit, of course, works for ESPN on set of College GameDay and in the booth for games.
The broadcaster is officially back on his social media platforms. He wasted no time in making waves.