LOOK: Kirk Herbstreit leans into Penn State love with former Nittany Lion

Although he may have played for Ohio State, many Penn State football fans feel Kirk Herbstreit has a special place in his heart for the Nittany Lions. The College GameDay and ESPN analyst’s continued praise for James Franklin, the Penn State program, and Nittany Lions fans has become legendary over the years. Rather than shy away, Herbstreit has embraced the love each time he returns to Happy Valley. And Herbstreit endeared himself to the Nittany Lion faithful again this weekend with a fun social media exchange with former Penn State football player Jason Cabinda.

Kirk Herbstreit has fun social media exchange with former Penn State football player Jason Cabinda

Kirk Herbstreit has become famous for his work in college football, but he also has his foothold on NFL action, calling the Thursday night games for Amazon Prime Video. Like many who follow the NFL, Herbstreit has taken a liking to the Detroit Lions. A classic feel-good story, the Lions have gone from a perpetual bottom dweller to a NFC North-leading 4-1 record this season.

During Detroit’s 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Kirk Herbstreit took to social media to express his delight with the Lions’s turnaround. Following the game, former Penn State football player and current Lions fullback Jason Cabinda saw Herbstreit’s “Love this Lions team” post, and responded in kind.

Love you too Kirk 😉 https://t.co/JX9CyDFN1P

— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) October 8, 2023

Cabinda’s response subtly referenced Herbstreit’s historic praise of the Penn State football program. But Kirk Herbstreit fully leaned into his historic love-fest for Penn State with his “Love your other Lions team too” reply to Cabinda.

Love your other Lions team too! 😉 https://t.co/dY8yogAVtJ

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 8, 2023

While this is nothing more than a fun little exchange with a former Penn State football player, it highlights why Kirk Herbstreit is always a fan favorite. Herbstreit’s good-natured persona has endeared him to college football fans everywhere for decades.

We don’t know yet if College GameDay will make a stop in Happy Valley this season. But if it does, Jason Cabinda may have just put himself in the running to become Penn State’s celebrity guest picker.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!