Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted In The NFL? The Untold Story

Idella Berge 10 May 2025

Alright, let’s get straight to the point—was Kirk Herbstreit drafted in the NFL? If you're a football fan, you've probably heard his name a hundred times on ESPN. He’s not just some random guy sitting in a booth analyzing plays; there’s a whole backstory here. So, if you're wondering about his NFL journey, you're in the right place. Let’s dive into it.

Before we even start talking about whether Kirk Herbstreit was drafted in the NFL, let’s clear the air. This dude is more than just a sports commentator; he’s a former college football star turned analyst extraordinaire. His career in football didn’t stop at college—it almost went pro, but there’s a twist. Stick around, because we’re about to break it all down for you.

Now, if you’re new to the world of sports commentary or just curious about how someone transitions from playing football to talking about it, this article is for you. We’ll cover everything from his college days to his broadcasting career, and yes, we’ll answer the big question: Was Kirk Herbstreit drafted in the NFL? Let’s go!

Who Is Kirk Herbstreit Anyway?

First things first, who exactly is Kirk Herbstreit? Born on October 11, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio, Kirk isn’t just another talking head on TV. He’s a former quarterback who played college football at Ohio State University. Back in the day, he wasn’t just some benchwarmer—he was a star player with serious potential. But the journey from college to the pros isn’t always smooth, and we’ll get into that later.

Herbstreit’s career in broadcasting started after his football days ended. He quickly became one of the most recognizable voices in college football, known for his insightful analysis and ability to break down the game in a way that even casual fans can understand. But before all that, he had dreams of playing in the NFL. Was he drafted? Keep reading to find out.

Biography of Kirk Herbstreit

Let’s take a step back and look at Kirk’s early life and career. Growing up in Ohio, football was practically in his blood. He attended Grove City High School, where he excelled as a quarterback. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he eventually earned a scholarship to play at Ohio State University. Here’s a quick breakdown of his life:

Key Milestones in Kirk Herbstreit's Life

Here’s a quick snapshot of Kirk’s journey:

Born on October 11, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio.
Played high school football at Grove City High School.
Attended Ohio State University from 1987 to 1991, where he played quarterback.
Became a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
Started his broadcasting career in the late 1990s.

Data and Biodata

Full Name	Kirk William Herbstreit
Date of Birth	October 11, 1968
Place of Birth	Columbus, Ohio
Position	Quarterback
College	Ohio State University
Current Role	ESPN College Football Analyst

Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted in the NFL?

Alright, here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Was Kirk Herbstreit drafted in the NFL? The short answer is no, he wasn’t drafted. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a shot. Let’s break it down.

After his college career at Ohio State, Herbstreit did try out for the NFL. He attended rookie minicamps with a few teams, including the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. However, he didn’t make the final roster for any team. Despite this setback, he didn’t let it define his career. Instead, he pivoted to broadcasting, where he found his true calling.

Why Didn’t He Make the Cut?

There are a few reasons why Kirk didn’t make it to the NFL. First, the competition was fierce. Back in the early 1990s, there were a ton of talented quarterbacks vying for roster spots. Second, Herbstreit wasn’t exactly built like a prototypical NFL quarterback. He was more of a pocket passer, which wasn’t always valued as highly as mobility in those days.

But here’s the thing—just because he didn’t make it to the NFL doesn’t mean he wasn’t a great player. His college career speaks for itself, and his transition to broadcasting proves that sometimes the best path isn’t always the one we expect.

Herbstreit's College Football Career

Before we move on, let’s talk about Kirk’s college career because it’s a big part of his story. At Ohio State, he was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and led the Buckeyes to a 21-10 record as a starter. He wasn’t just a solid quarterback—he was a leader on and off the field.

One of the highlights of his college career was the 1990 season, where he led Ohio State to an 8-3-1 record. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns that year. While he didn’t win any national championships, he left a lasting impact on the program and paved the way for future Buckeye quarterbacks.

Key Stats from His College Career

Total Passing Yards: Over 4,000
Touchdown Passes: 28
Interceptions: 22
Win-Loss Record as Starter: 21-10

Kirk Herbstreit's Transition to Broadcasting

So, what happened after his NFL dreams didn’t pan out? Kirk didn’t waste any time. He quickly transitioned to broadcasting, where he found a whole new level of success. He started working for ESPN in the late 1990s and quickly became one of the network’s top analysts.

What sets Kirk apart in broadcasting is his ability to connect with viewers. He’s not just spouting stats—he’s telling stories, breaking down plays, and making the game accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the occasional game, Kirk’s analysis is easy to follow and engaging.

His Impact on College Football Coverage

Kirk’s influence on college football coverage can’t be overstated. He’s been a part of ESPN’s College GameDay since 2006, and his insights have helped shape how millions of fans view the game. He’s not afraid to call it like he sees it, and that honesty has earned him a loyal following.

But it’s not just about his analysis—it’s about his passion for the game. Kirk loves football, and that love shines through in everything he does. He’s proof that sometimes the best way to impact the game isn’t on the field, but in the booth.

Common Misconceptions About Kirk Herbstreit

There are a few misconceptions about Kirk Herbstreit that we need to clear up. First, some people think he was drafted in the NFL, but as we’ve already discussed, that’s not true. Second, there’s this idea that he’s just a pretty face on TV, but anyone who’s watched him knows that’s far from the truth.

Kirk is a knowledgeable analyst who does his homework. He studies film, talks to coaches, and stays up-to-date on the latest trends in the game. He’s not just winging it—he’s bringing real value to the table.

Why People Think He Was Drafted

One reason people might think Kirk was drafted in the NFL is because of his success in college. He was a standout player at Ohio State, so it’s easy to assume he made the jump to the pros. Plus, he’s been around football for so long that it’s hard to imagine he didn’t have a shot.

But as we’ve already covered, the reality is that he didn’t make it to the NFL. And you know what? That’s okay. Sometimes the best paths are the ones we least expect.

Lessons from Kirk Herbstreit's Journey

So, what can we learn from Kirk Herbstreit’s journey? First, it’s important to remember that success isn’t always linear. Kirk didn’t make it to the NFL, but he found another way to impact the game. Second, passion and hard work can take you far. Kirk’s love for football and his dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected analysts in the business.

Finally, it’s important to be adaptable. Kirk could have let his NFL dreams define him, but instead, he pivoted to broadcasting and found a whole new level of success. That’s a lesson we can all learn from.

How His Story Can Inspire You

Whether you’re a football fan or just someone looking for inspiration, Kirk’s story is worth paying attention to. He’s proof that sometimes the best paths are the ones we least expect. If you’re facing setbacks or doubting your own journey, remember that success can come in many forms.

Conclusion: Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted in the NFL?

Alright, let’s wrap this up. Was Kirk Herbstreit drafted in the NFL? No, he wasn’t. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a successful career. From his days at Ohio State to his current role as a top analyst on ESPN, Kirk has made a lasting impact on the game of football.

So, what’s next for Kirk? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure—he’ll continue to bring his passion and expertise to the world of sports broadcasting. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends and leave a comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Daftar Isi

Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted in the NFL? The Untold Story
Who Is Kirk Herbstreit Anyway?
Biography of Kirk Herbstreit
Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted in the NFL?
Herbstreit's College Football Career
Kirk Herbstreit's Transition to Broadcasting
Common Misconceptions About Kirk Herbstreit
Lessons from Kirk Herbstreit's Journey
Conclusion: Was Kirk Herbstreit Drafted in the NFL?
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