Kirk Herbstreit Reacts to the Loss of Friend Brett James

Football announcer and analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared the news of his friend and Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James’s passing while he was calling the Buffalo Bills game against the Miami Dolphins. He learned about the tragic event during the broadcast.

In a post on X, Herbstreit said, “I was calling the game [Thursday] when I got the text about Brett being involved in a plane crash. It’s hard to believe.” He reflected on their time in Nashville, expressing gratitude for meeting remarkable individuals, mentioning that James was among the most talented and humble people he encountered.

Brett James, 57, was one of three fatalities from a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday. His girlfriend, 59-year-old Melody Wilson, and her daughter, 28-year-old Meryl Maxwell Wilson, also lost their lives in the incident, as reported by officials.

The three were traveling in a single-engine Cirrus SR22T plane that took off from Nashville before crashing in Franklin, North Carolina.

James was well-known for his collaborations, most notably for writing Carrie Underwood’s first hit, the Grammy-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and Taylor Swift’s “Absolutely Clean Heart.” His musical partnerships extended to Bon Jovi, Jason Aldean, and the Backstreet Boys.

Herbstreit expressed that James was a key figure in some of his fondest memories. He reminisced about a special moment when James performed at his 50th birthday, highlighting his status as a legendary songwriter and a respected member of the community. “It’s just heartbreaking,” he wrote, extending his thoughts and prayers to James’s family and friends.

At 56, Herbstreit is known for his work calling college football games on Amazon Prime and NFL games. He was seen on Thursday night alongside his partner Al Michaels, and he is set to join the ESPN crew for a game between Miami and Florida on Saturday in Coral Gables, Florida.

Before the game, he shared a video chronicling his recent travels and football-related experiences, alongside his beloved dog, Peter.