WATCH: Kirk Herbstreit reveals missing draft coverage due to medical condition

With the 2022 NFL Draft just days away, ESPN is getting ready to broadcast the event live from Las Vegas as college players see their dreams become reality. However, they will be doing so without one of their top college football analysts, Kirk Herbstreit, who announced he would not be a part of coverage this year.

Herbstreit addressed the situation via Twitter on Monday afternoon, saying there was a blood clot recently discovered in his system. The analyst said he feels good but just wants to be careful and will not participate in ESPN’s coverage of the draft.

“Hey guys, big week with the NFL Draft out in Las Vegas,” Herbstreit said. “Always one of my favorite events of the year. Unfortunately, I will not be able to come out to Vegas and be a part of this year’s coverage. Doctors have recently found a blood clot in my system. Very fortunate to have really good doctors who I trust. I feel good but out of an abundance of caution, I think I am just going to take a step back from this year’s draft coverage. We still have a great team out in Vegas with ABC and ESPN. Unfortunately, I just won’t be there with them at this year’s event.

“Like I said, I love the draft. I love watching the players, their stories, the coverage of it,” Herbstreit continued. “Watching the families, the emotions that come with it and I am just sad I will not be able to be out there. I will be watching, like everybody else. Look forward to seeing all the different storylines unfold but I will see you guys at next year’s draft and you guys have a great week. I just wanted to feel you in on why I will not be out there at the draft this year. Take care.”

Hey guys-wanted to update you on my situation this week. Unfortunately I won't be part of our ESPN/ABC NFL Draft coverage. Our team in Vegas will have it covered, and I will be watching.
 
Congrats to all the players! I love this event and look forward to returning next year. pic.twitter.com/UvBsI3TaUV

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) April 25, 2022

Herbstreit began covering the NFL Draft with ESPN during the 2018 event, replacing Jon Gruden when he got back into the coaching world. ABC eventually got in on the action too, where Herbstreit worked closer with his fellow College Gameday coworkers.

The color commentator will also be broadcasting NFL games this season, working with Amazon on Thursday Night Football alongside Al Michaels. His coverage in college football will be no different but Herbstreit has recently fully dipped into the NFL.

Best wishes to Herbstreit as he gets back to full health!