Kirk Herbstreit reacts to death of Ben Christman, calls for improvements to cardiovascular testing in players

UNLV football player Ben Christman, who also played for Ohio State and Kentucky, passed away earlier this year at 21. His cause of death has now been revealed, as the lineman was determined to have died from cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy, according to the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. The cause of death was originally reported by TMZ.

Cardiac arrhythmia is known as an irregular heartbeat. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens heart muscles. It was previously reported that Christman was experiencing chest pains at practice the day before his death.

As the harrowing news made its rounds throughout the college football world, Kirk Herbstreit offered his condolences to Christman’s family. He shared his unique perspective on the matter as well, calling for improvements to cardiovascular testing in players moving forward, and wondering how he could be involved.

“I’m so sorry to hear this and my condolences to Ben’s family,” Herbstreit posted on X. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through. It’s time we find answers to these existing cardiovascular issues and an EKG isn’t getting it done. Would love to partner with others to mandate that intercollegiate physicals include echocardiograms.

“My son was diagnosed at 20 years old with cardiomyopathy (enlarged left ventricle). Was severe enough that a heart replacement was talked about if his heart didn’t improve. Thankfully it has improved since the spring of 2023.

“Too many young people are asymptomatic and unaware of any issues that exist. A mandated Echo could help save lives. It’s time for the NCAA and Conference Commissioners to take a look at this. Love to be involved.”

As you can tell, this is an issue near and dear to Herbstreit’s heart. If there’s any way he can help, he wants to be able to, and perhaps this will lead to improved testing that could save a player’s life in the future.

Moreover, Christman began his college career with the Buckeyes, where he was a part of the 2021-2022 squad that won the Rose Bowl against Utah, before transferring to Lexington for two years. He was set to play for Dan Mullen and the UNLV Rebels this fall before his death. Mullen released a statement sharing his condolences at the time.

“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” UNLV head coach Dan Mullen said. “Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates.

“Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”

Christman was a highly-touted high school football player at Richfield (Ohio) Revere, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 266 overall player from the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

A memorial scholarship fund has been created in Christman’s honor by members of his family to help high school athletes. His legacy won’t be sooner forgotten in the college football world.

— On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.