Kirk Herbstreit Dog: Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced heartbreaking news on Thursday: his cherished golden retriever, Ben, has passed away. Ben, who had been by Herbstreit’s side for a decade and even traveled to college football and NFL games across the country, was a beloved figure both on and off the field.
In an emotional social media post, Herbstreit shared that Ben had been battling cancer since March. Despite their best efforts, the disease had spread aggressively to Ben’s organs, leaving no options for further treatment.
“There was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go,” Herbstreit wrote. “I’ve had dogs my whole life, but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, inquisitive, and welcoming to all.”
Ben became a fan favorite after joining Herbstreit on the road in 2021, making his debut on ESPN’s “College GameDay” in November that year. Known for occasionally stealing the spotlight by wagging his way into the broadcast booth, Ben’s joyful presence made him adored by teams and fans alike.
Various football teams even made special credentials for Ben, with the Miami Dolphins naming him the “Chief Happiness Officer of Football” and the Atlanta Falcons dubbing him a “wide retriever.”
Herbstreit expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he received after sharing the news of Ben’s passing. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with messages and tweets about Ben,” he posted. “I’m overwhelmed by how many people he touched. This has been a really tough day, but your beautiful words have truly meant a lot.”
