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Kirk Herbstreit’s dog Ben passed away
Kirk Herbstreit, the main analyst for ESPN’s “College GameDay” and cohost of the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football,” revealed the passing of his golden retriever Ben, who became a cherished canine companion in the sports community through his visits to football stadiums in recent years.
Ben was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in March and passed away on Thursday after the cancer spread to his organs, Kirk Herbstreit stated on X. He was 10 years old.
“I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 (of) 1,” Herbstreit said. “He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag.”
In late July, Ben underwent surgery to extract two cancerous tumors from his spleen and intestine, Herbstreit mentioned on X in September. He mentioned that although it had been a “difficult offseason for Ben,” the dog experienced an “amazing recovery” in the weeks after his surgery.
Kirk Herbstreit on X
“Just so thankful he’s feeling better and able to travel with me,” Herbstreit said on X at the time. “Honestly I think being out and seeing people on the road really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to.”
On October 23, Ben received a second chemotherapy injection but became weaker afterward, losing the ability to use his back legs, Herbstreit posted on X on Monday. Herbstreit brought him to a holistic physician, who administered a three-day Vitamin C IV intended to “flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance.”
Regrettably, it failed to do so and Herbstreit had to “let him go.”
“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,” Herbstreit wrote on X on Monday. “Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart.”
Ben received several NFL and college football recognitions this season due to his disruptive behavior on air. The Atlanta Falcons authorized Ben the “Wide Retriever” for a Week 5 “Thursday Night Football” matchup, whereas the Miami Dolphins named him the “Chief Happiness Officer of Football” during Week 2.
Last week, before the Penn State-Ohio State game, Penn State collected some treats for Ben and referred to him as a “Treat Analyst.”
Ben was also present for one of the initial matchups of the 2024 college football season during the ESPN pregame show of the LSU-USC game in Las Vegas. As Herbstreit and his fellow analyst Rece Davis chatted, Ben joyfully wagged his tail between them, eager for some affection. One observer remarked, “He didn’t even need a square. Ben’s a pro.”
Herbstreit About Ben
“God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years — a true blessing,” Herbstreit wrote.
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