Did Kirk Herbstreit Get Drafted In The NFL? The Story You Need To Know

Lynn Aufderhar 14 May 2025

Alright folks, let’s dive straight into the buzz here. Did Kirk Herbstreit get drafted in the NFL? If you're a die-hard football fan—or even just someone who loves tuning into ESPN—you might have asked yourself this question at least once. Kirk Herbstreit, the guy whose voice we’ve all grown to love (or maybe tolerate) during game days, is more than just a commentator. He’s got a rich football history that goes way back before he became the face of college football broadcasting. So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane to uncover the truth behind whether Kirk made it to the NFL draft or not. Spoiler alert: it’s a story worth telling.

Now, before we dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty details, let’s set the stage. Kirk Herbstreit isn’t just any random guy with a microphone. This dude was once a college football player, and his journey to becoming one of the most recognized names in sports broadcasting wasn’t exactly a straight line. There’s drama, there’s triumph, and yes, there’s even a little bit of heartbreak. But hey, that’s what makes his story so interesting, right? Stick with me as we break it all down.

And for those of you who might be wondering why this matters—well, it’s simple. Understanding where Kirk came from helps us appreciate the man he is today. Whether he got drafted or not, his journey speaks volumes about perseverance, hard work, and the unpredictable nature of life. So, let’s get to it, shall we?

Kirk Herbstreit's Biography
Early Life and College Career
Did Kirk Herbstreit Get Drafted in the NFL?
Transition to Broadcasting
Key Achievements in Broadcasting
Impact on Sports Media
Common Misconceptions
Stats and Facts About Kirk Herbstreit
Criticisms and Controversies
Wrapping It Up

Kirk Herbstreit's Biography

Alright, let’s start with the basics. Kirk Herbstreit was born on November 23, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, he was just like any other kid who loved football—but with a twist. While most kids dreamed of scoring touchdowns, Kirk had his eyes set on becoming a quarterback. And guess what? He didn’t just dream; he worked his tail off to make it happen.

Fast forward to his college days, and we see Kirk shining brightly at Ohio State University. As a quarterback, he wasn’t just good—he was great. His time at Ohio State laid the foundation for everything that would come later in his life. But hey, we’ll get to that in a minute. For now, let’s focus on the man behind the legend.

Kirk Herbstreit's Personal Info

Full Name	Kirk Herbstreit
Date of Birth	November 23, 1968
Place of Birth	Cleveland, Ohio
College	Ohio State University
Position Played	Quarterback

Early Life and College Career

Let’s rewind a little bit and talk about Kirk’s early life. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Kirk grew up in a household where football wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way of life. His dad, Steve Herbstreit, was a high school football coach, so it’s no surprise that Kirk developed a passion for the game at a young age.

When Kirk arrived at Ohio State University in 1987, he quickly made a name for himself. As a quarterback, he was known for his sharp mind, quick decision-making, and leadership on the field. During his time at Ohio State, Kirk earned numerous accolades, including being named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press. But despite all his success, the question still lingers: did Kirk Herbstreit get drafted in the NFL?

Did Kirk Herbstreit Get Drafted in the NFL?

Here’s the part you’ve all been waiting for. Did Kirk Herbstreit get drafted in the NFL? The short answer is no. Despite his impressive college career, Kirk wasn’t selected in the NFL Draft. Now, before you start feeling sorry for the guy, hear me out. This wasn’t necessarily the end of the road for him. In fact, it was just the beginning of a whole new chapter.

After going undrafted, Kirk signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 1992. However, his NFL career was short-lived, and he eventually decided to hang up his cleats and pursue a career in broadcasting. And let’s be honest—football fans everywhere are probably pretty glad he did.

Why Didn’t Kirk Get Drafted?

There are a few reasons why Kirk didn’t get drafted. First off, the NFL was already packed with talented quarterbacks at the time. Competition was fierce, and unfortunately for Kirk, he didn’t quite make the cut. But hey, sometimes things work out for the best, right?

Transition to Broadcasting

So, what happened after Kirk’s brief stint in the NFL? Well, he took his love for football and channeled it into a career in broadcasting. In 1995, he joined ESPN as a college football analyst, and the rest, as they say, is history. Kirk’s natural charisma, coupled with his deep knowledge of the game, quickly made him a fan favorite.

Over the years, Kirk has become synonymous with ESPN’s college football coverage. Whether he’s breaking down plays, offering insightful commentary, or calling out questionable calls, he’s always bringing his A-game to the table. And honestly, who else could make Monday Night Football feel like a family gathering?

Key Achievements in Broadcasting

Kirk Herbstreit’s broadcasting career is nothing short of impressive. Here are just a few of his notable achievements:

Named one of the "Most Influential People in Sports Media" by Sports Business Journal.
Recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, recognizing excellence in sports broadcasting.
Regular contributor to ESPN’s flagship programs, including College GameDay and Monday Night Football.

Impact on Sports Media

Kirk’s influence extends far beyond the broadcast booth. He’s not just a commentator—he’s a thought leader in the world of sports media. His ability to connect with viewers, combined with his expertise in the game, has set a new standard for sports broadcasting.

One of the things that sets Kirk apart is his willingness to engage with fans. Whether it’s through social media or live events, he’s always willing to share his thoughts and insights. And let’s be honest—his take on things is usually spot-on.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few misconceptions about Kirk Herbstreit that need clearing up. For starters, some people think he was a superstar in the NFL. Newsflash: he wasn’t. As we’ve already established, Kirk’s NFL career was brief and didn’t exactly pan out as planned. But that’s okay—sometimes the best things in life come from unexpected places.

Another misconception is that Kirk only talks about football. Wrong again! While football is obviously his bread and butter, Kirk has plenty of other interests and hobbies. In fact, he’s a pretty well-rounded guy when you get to know him.

Stats and Facts About Kirk Herbstreit

Here are a few fun stats and facts about Kirk Herbstreit:

He’s been with ESPN for over 25 years.
Kirk has called over 300 college football games during his career.
He’s a huge fan of golf and spends a lot of his free time on the course.

Criticisms and Controversies

Of course, no one is perfect, and Kirk Herbstreit is no exception. Over the years, he’s faced his fair share of criticism from fans and fellow commentators. Some people think he’s too biased toward certain teams, while others argue that he can be a bit too outspoken at times.

But here’s the thing: Kirk doesn’t shy away from controversy. In fact, he embraces it. Whether it’s calling out a bad call or defending his opinions, he’s always willing to stand by what he believes in. And honestly, that’s something we can all respect.

Wrapping It Up

Alright folks, that’s a wrap on our deep dive into Kirk Herbstreit’s football journey. Did Kirk Herbstreit get drafted in the NFL? No, he didn’t. But does it matter? Not really. The man has carved out an incredible career for himself in broadcasting, and he’s become one of the most respected voices in sports media.

So, the next time you hear Kirk’s voice on the airwaves, take a moment to appreciate the journey he’s been on. From a young kid dreaming of playing in the NFL to a broadcasting legend, Kirk’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and pure dedication.

Now, it’s your turn. Got any questions or thoughts about Kirk’s career? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. And hey, don’t forget to share this article with your friends. Who knows? You might just help someone discover a new love for football—or at least a new appreciation for Kirk Herbstreit.

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Did Kirk Herbstreit Get Drafted In The NFL? The Story You Need To Know

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