Who Is Alison Butler? Meet Kirk Herbstreit’s Wife and Biggest Cheerleader

Every sports fan knows Kirk Herbstreit, the famous ESPN and Amazon Prime football commentator. But behind this busy man stands someone who’s been his quiet strength from the start — Alison Butler, his wife and biggest cheerleader.

Their story is simple yet inspiring. She was a cheerleader. He was a quarterback. Both met at Ohio State University, and that’s where their lifelong partnership began. In this article, we’ll explore everything about Alison — her early life, her love story with Kirk, their children, their ups and downs, and how she remains the heart of their football family even today.

Alison Butler Quick Bio

Who Is Alison Butler?

Alison Butler is best known as Kirk Herbstreit’s wife, but her story goes far beyond that title. She grew up with a love for sports and team spirit, something that would later become a big part of her life.

She attended Ohio State University, one of the most famous schools in the country for both academics and football. There, Alison became a cheerleader for the Ohio State Buckeyes, showing her energy, positivity, and passion for the sport.

Even though she’s been married to a public figure for over two decades, Alison has always kept her own life very private. She prefers staying out of the spotlight and focusing on what truly matters — her family.

How Alison Butler Became Kirk Herbstreit’s Wife

Their love story began in the early 1990s at Ohio State. Kirk was the team’s quarterback, leading the Buckeyes on the field. Alison cheered from the sidelines, full of school pride. They shared the same love for the team, and soon that connection turned into something deeper.

After college, their bond only grew stronger. They supported each other through new careers and challenges, eventually getting married in 1998. Their marriage became a story of teamwork, patience, and true partnership.

Kirk often says that Alison is the reason he’s able to balance such a demanding job. In one interview, he called her “a blessing” and said, “I don’t know how she does it.” Those words say a lot about the kind of strength Alison brings to their family every single day.

Alison Butler’s Life as a College Cheerleader

Before she became known as Kirk Herbstreit’s wife, Alison was already loved on campus for her positive energy and bright spirit. She was part of the Ohio State cheerleading squad in 1993, a time full of fun, friendships, and endless game days.

Interestingly, her cheerleading days even became part of ESPN history. During a famous story told by commentator Chris Fowler, he mentioned how Alison helped Lee Corso — a well-known ESPN personality — get the Brutus Buckeye mascot head for College GameDay. That small moment shows how Alison’s name has quietly been part of football culture for decades.

Her time as a cheerleader didn’t just give her school pride — it shaped the way she supports her family today. Whether on the sidelines back then or in the stands now, Alison’s spirit for cheering hasn’t changed.

Raising a Football Family Together

If you step inside the Herbstreit home, you’ll find football talk, laughter, and golden retrievers. Alison and Kirk have built a warm, supportive family full of energy and love.

They have four sons — twins Jake and Tye, then Zak, and the youngest, Chase. Each of them grew up around the sport their parents love so much. While Kirk’s job keeps him on the road, Alison has always made sure home feels stable and happy for everyone.

She’s often been called “the glue” that holds the family together — keeping school schedules, sports practices, and family time all in balance. Her quiet dedication shows what it truly means to be the heart of a family.

Meet the Herbstreit Kids: All Football Stars

Just like their dad, Alison and Kirk’s sons all found their passion in football. It’s almost like the game runs in their blood.

• Jake and Tye, the twins born in 2000, first played for Clemson University as walk-ons. Later, Jake transferred back to Ohio State, graduating in 2024.

• Zak, born in 2003, joined Ohio State as a tight end in 2021. Sadly, he faced a serious heart issue in 2023 and had to medically retire from the game. Still, he remains close to the team, thanks to the support of Coach Ryan Day.

• The youngest, Chase, born in 2006, is a high school quarterback at St. Xavier in Cincinnati. Many say he might follow in his father’s footsteps one day.

Through it all, Alison has been there — cheering at games, caring during tough times, and keeping her boys grounded no matter how big the spotlight gets.

Alison Butler and Kirk Herbstreit’s Life in Ohio and Tennessee

For many years, the Herbstreits lived happily in Ohio, close to their roots. But in 2011, the family made a big decision — they moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

Why? Kirk’s growing fame meant more attention, and some fans criticized his opinions about Ohio State on TV. Wanting a quieter, safer life for their kids, Alison and Kirk decided it was time for a change.

Later in 2021, they moved again — this time to Cincinnati, so their youngest son could attend a good school and play football there. They now split time between Tennessee and Ohio, balancing work, family, and their deep love for the Buckeye state.

The Family’s Special Bond with Ohio State

For Alison Butler, Ohio State is more than just the place where she met her husband. It’s a big part of her life story. She didn’t just cheer on the Buckeyes from the sidelines — she helped build the family’s deep love for the team that still shines today.

Kirk Herbstreit also has strong roots at Ohio State. His father, Jim Herbstreit, was a co-captain of the 1960 team. Kirk later became the Buckeyes’ quarterback. So when Alison and Kirk built their family, the Ohio State spirit naturally passed on to their sons.

Even though some of their boys played for other schools like Clemson, the family’s love for Ohio State never faded. And through all of this, Alison remained the quiet thread that kept everyone connected — always proud, always supportive.

Dealing with Heartbreak: Loss and Health Struggles

In recent years, Kirk Herbstreit’s wife, Alison Butler, has faced some very hard moments. In 2024, Kirk shared publicly that Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer. He called it one of the toughest times their family has ever faced.

As if that wasn’t enough, their son Zak was hospitalized in 2023 due to heart issues, which forced him to stop playing football. This was heartbreaking for Zak and the entire family. Kirk said that Coach Ryan Day helped by keeping Zak involved with the Ohio State team. That support meant the world to them.

In November 2024, they also lost their beloved golden retriever, Ben, to cancer. Ben was more than just a pet — he was part of the family, often seen with Kirk at work or in photos. These back-to-back challenges made things incredibly emotional, and Alison stayed strong through it all.

Why Alison Butler Stays Out of the Spotlight

Even though Kirk Herbstreit is always on TV, Alison Butler prefers a quiet life. She doesn’t have public social media, doesn’t appear in interviews, and rarely attends events unless it’s with her family.

This choice helps keep things peaceful at home. It also shows how much Alison values her privacy. While Kirk is busy traveling for work, Alison keeps their family life balanced and grounded.

Many people admire her for this. In a world full of flashing cameras and constant attention, Alison’s calm and private way of living is something special.

Kirk Herbstreit’s Sweet Words About His Wife

Kirk doesn’t often talk about his private life, but when he does, his words about Alison Butler are full of love. He once called her “the glue that holds us together,” showing how much he relies on her.

On Mother’s Day, Kirk often posts photos of Alison with their four sons. In 2023, he wrote, “There’s not a bigger, more important job in America than a loving mother. They’re the foundation for all of us.”

These moments show that behind all the fame and football, Kirk is most grateful for the woman who’s been by his side from the very beginning.

A Look Inside the Herbstreit Home Life

Life at the Herbstreit home is full of love, sports, and golden retrievers. Alison and Kirk have built a space where their four sons could grow, learn, and follow their dreams.

Their dogs — Peter, Theo, Mitch, and the late Ben — are like extra family members. Ben, in particular, was well-known because he often traveled with Kirk and appeared on ESPN. After Ben’s passing, Kirk’s emotional tribute made it clear how loved he was.

At home, Alison keeps everything running smoothly. Whether it’s helping with school, football, or just making sure there’s peace in the house, she’s always there — steady and strong.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Alison Butler? She’s more than just Kirk Herbstreit’s wife. She’s a proud Buckeye, a devoted mom, a fighter, and the heart of her family.

From the sidelines of Ohio State to raising four football-loving boys, Alison has given everything to her family. She stays out of the spotlight but holds the most important role — the one who keeps everyone together.

Her story reminds us that being strong doesn’t mean being loud. Sometimes, the biggest cheerleader in life isn’t on the field or on TV — she’s at home, quietly cheering for the ones she loves.

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