Kirk Herbstreit Responds to Criticism After Latest Public Appearance
Kirk Herbstreit is one of the most recognized personalities in the sports media world. The college football and NFL analyst, seen most on ESPN's "College GameDay," along with calling premier college games alongside Chris Fowler and NFL games with Al Michaels every weekend during football season, hails from Centerville, Ohio.
Growing up in Centerville, which is about 40 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio, Herbstreit grew up a fan of the Cincinnati-area professional sports teams. This includes the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds.
Herbstreit has shown his fandom for the Reds throughout his life and career through his social media, as he attends many games for his hometown team. His latest appearance came on Wednesday for the Reds game against the Chicago Cubs.
After the game at Wrigley Field concluded, which resulted in a 7-6 extra innings loss for the Reds, their sixth consecutive defeat, Herbstreit took to social media to thank the Cubs organization for giving him a tour of the stadium.
Another tough loss for our RedLegs but had an amazing time at Wrigley!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 7, 2026
Huge thank you to the @Cubs organization for the tour of the stadium and the incredible hospitality. FIRST CLASS!
Awesome setting and such diehard fans! Can't wait to come back.
Huge thanks to Dan and… pic.twitter.com/HIdNAsY1Fs
One user on X replied to Herbstreit's post, calling him out for mingling with the Cubs organization.
"Just curious, did you ever hobnob with the Michigan football people to get a tour of their stadium? Patronizing the enemy is not okay," the user wrote.
In response to this criticism, Herbstreit clapped back, saying that it was an incredible experience to be at the game.
"Whatever dude. Had a blast. Epic atmosphere and elite fans! Absolutely honored to see it person," Herbstreit said.
Whatever dude. Had a blast.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 7, 2026
Epic atmosphere and elite fans!
Absolutely honored to see it person. https://t.co/Hibks98FuT
The user who criticized Herbstreit referred to the Michigan Wolverines football team, which is the rival of Herbstreit's alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Herbstreit, who is the lead analyst for ESPN college football games and Amazon Prime Video Thursday Night Football NFL games, will undoubtedly support the Reds throughout the MLB season before getting back to calling games this fall.
Related: Congratulations Pour in for Kirk Herbstreit Over Personal News
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 12:30 AM.