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Kirk Herbstreit announces the passing of his beloved dog Ben, fan-favorite golden retriever

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham11/07/24

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Ben Herbstreit
Photo by Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

A heartwarming staple of the past few college football seasons, Ben Herbstreit, the Golden Retriever companion of ESPN analyst and color commentator Kirk Herbstreit, was put to rest Thursday. He was 10.

Ben was undergoing treatment for cancer throughout 2024 and Herbstreit announced recently that it had taken a far more intensive turn.

He shared the news of the passing of his beloved pet in a heartfelt social media post.

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit said. “We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go. I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate..he and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion. Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing. Love you Ben.”

The passing of Herbstreit’s furry friend was not unexpected, as he shared recently that Ben was undergoing some intensive medical treatment. He asked followers and fans of the pup to share their prayers and well wishes.

“One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life,” Herbstreit said on social media. “Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you’re a spiritual person I’d love for you to pray for my boy. He’s currently in an ER hospital overnight and I’m picking him up tomorrow for another round of Vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he pulls out of it.”

And while Ben might’ve left this earth physically, college football fans — and the Herbstreit family, certainly — will hold the beloved retriever in their hearts.

Ben’s fame grew traveling to College GameDay, games

Herbstreit is a staple of ESPN’s coverage of college football, serving as a chief analyst on College GameDay and as the color commentator for the network’s top-billed commentary crew alongside Chris Fowler. Herbstreit also started calling Thursday Night Football games for Amazon Prime in 2023, too.

And in 2023, Herbstreit started bringing Ben along for the ride. He also got the jet-setting dog registered as an emotional support animal — an official title for a role Herbstreit joked that his pup played all along.

And Ben would also accompany his human on the field pregame and even into the booth.

Unsurprisingly, the amiable, elder dog was a hit both among fans and the players and coaches.

Herbstreit also got some online pushback for having Ben accompany him to a game earlier in 2024, the season opener between LSU and USC. And in pushing back, Herbstreit also reiterated that his senior dog was battling cancer.

Ben made friends everywhere he went

College football loves a live animal mascot, and Ben thusly wasn’t always alone on the sideline.

This season, Ben got to meet Texas A&M mascot Reveille, leading to a comical ESPN graphic comparing the two canines.

And while the Oregon Duck isn’t actually a live duck, the recent FaceTime interaction between the two and Herbstreit getting some Ben x Oregon swag was a sweet moment.

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Ben is officially a ‘working’ media hound

While galavanting across the country to call college and NFL football games is surely no hardship, Herbstreit is also hard at work both behind the scenes and in front of the camera as a credentialed member of the media.

His dog was no different, especially in the credential department.

He even got the privilege of going to the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024.

And the credentials became a theme, as various schools Ben traveled to would have one ready. He’s been “Goodest Boy,” “Wide Retriever,” “Linebarker” and “Golden Receiver Coach,” depending on the school. The Miami Dolphins gave him the title of “Chief Happiness Officer.”

And if he ever wants to suit up, Notre Dame joked about a roster spot for the five-star dog.

Ben battled cancer throughout 2024

Herbstreit shared earlier this year that Ben had surgery in the summer to remove masses from his intestine and spleen, both of which were cancerous.

However, Ben’s condition apparently deteriorated as 2024 progressed and Herbtreit shared a dire update in early November.

“I’ve had so many people asking me about Ben that I wanted to let you know-Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse,” Herbstreit said on social media. “He has lost use of his back legs-almost like they’re paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days. I’m currently in Pennsylvania with a holistic Dr who is administering a 3 day Vitamin C IV hoping it will flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance.

“The next 24-48 hours will tell us if he has a chance or not. I’m so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple years. One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life.”

Days after Herbstreit relayed that update, he shared the crushing news.

And while his eldest dog is physically gone — his family has several other dogs — the memories that Herbstreit and Ben created for themselves, and for college football fans, will last lifetimes.