Zak Herbstreit, tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes and son of famous ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has been hospitalized due to unknown causes, as reported by ABC6 in Columbus on Tuesday.
Zak was admitted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he continues to be "monitored and evaluated." His father took to Twitter to release a statement prepared by his son, and the college football world and sports world are coming together to wish him well.
My son Zak is in the hospital and wanted me to send this note out. I just wanted to add how much we appreciate so many people reaching out concerned about his well being. He has a long journey ahead of him.
?I have had a bit of a setback these past couple of weeks. Not feeling?
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) June 20, 2023
He is awake and on his phone from time to time. If you?d like to send him a note he?s at @ZHerbstreit
Again thanks very much for your thoughts and prayers for Zak. https://t.co/GSSprpD750
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) June 20, 2023
"I have had a bit of a setback these past couple of weeks. Not feeling right. Culminated with tests results this past Friday that forced me into the hospital. I have some of the best cardiologists looking after me, and I am beyond appreciative. We are doing a number of tests and conjuring a plan to ensure that I will be able to be back to feeling normal again. I appreciate the overwhelming support over the past couple of days. I am feeling good and hope to be out of the hospital soon," Zak said via Kirk's Twitter.
Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The cause of his hospitalization remains unknown publicly, though there's speculation it's heart-related considering the mention of cardiologists. We'll be sure to provide an update as we know more.
The good news is that Zak is in good spirits, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The responses poured in from notable people in the sports community.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, College GameDay host Rece Davis and Robert Griffin III were just a few names that tweeted their thoughts.
Praying for u my man and your entire family. God bless u Kirk. https://t.co/CZwjrN83r1
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) June 20, 2023
Praying for you guys my friend.
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) June 20, 2023
Praying your son, you and the family ??
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 20, 2023
Zak is entering his second season with the Buckeyes after joining the team as a preferred walk-on in 2021. The junior is listed at 6-foot-2. He has twin older brothers named Tye and Jake, and a younger brother, Chase.
