Kirk Herbstreit called it a “perfect storm of emotion” a day after he went viral for crying on an ESPN broadcast following Ohio State’s CFP national championship win over Notre Dame.

The college football analyst joined “The Pat McAfee Show,” and was asked about the moment.

Herbstreit revealed it was a tough personal year for his family.

His wife, Alison, was diagnosed with breast cancer. His dog, Ben, died after becoming a national treasure during “GameDay” broadcast. In addition, Herbstreit’s son, Zak, an Ohio State football player, had heart failure two years ago and had to medically retire. He took on a graduate assistant role for the team, and Kirk Herbstreit saw his son – in jersey – celebrating the national title.

“It’s been a tough year for me behind the scenes,” Kirk Herbstreit said.

Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State from 1989 to 1993, said Ohio State and coach Ryan Day faced adversity all season.

“They went to hell and back. We can try to make this sound soft, but my thing is, I talk to these players. I talk to these coaches. I know what they faced after that Michigan game,” Herbstreit told Scott Van Pelt after the game. “I know the pain, and I know that a lot of people thought, ‘The hell with this guy. Who else can be the guy?’ … (Ryan Day) just handled it, took the high road and didn’t say anything.

“He went out, got his team ready to play four games, and they won it. And I think that’s why I’m emotional.”

As a result, emotion got the best of Kirk Herbstreit.

“It was perfect storm of emotions of a lot of stuff going through my head,” he told McAfee. “Looking down and seeing my son. My wife is in the booth with me. It was a lot.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.