Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved dog Ben dies after battling cancer

On By Littum

ESPN football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced that his beloved golden retriever Ben, who became a celebrity in college football stadiums, has died after battling illness.

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared for Ben that I wanted to tell you. We found out today that the cancer had spread to Ben’s organs and there was nothing left, we could do – we had to let him go,” Herbstreit further announced social media Thursday.

The news brought an outpouring of heartfelt tributes and prayers.

Ben had become one of the most famous dogs in the media in recent years, and he followed Herbstreit on the College GameDay set, on the field before matches and even jumping in the broadcast box. He became so popular in the football world that he wanted be credentials for gamesand became it “Chief Happiness Officer” for the Rose Bowl Game 2024. There was also the iconic encounter with other canine mascots such as Uga and Reveille.

Ben was most recently at Kyle Field for Texas A&M vs. LSU game on Oct. 26.

However, the golden retriever had been battling illness and hadn’t traveled as much this football season compared to years past. On Monday, Herbstreit said Ben had been undergoing treatment for cancer and had lost the use of his hind legs. After spending Monday night in a veterinary hospital, he was due another round of vitamin C treatment that would hopefully “flush the toxins out of his body and give him a chance.”

The oldest of four golden retrievers the family owns, Herbstreit called the ordeal “one of the hardest things I’ve been through in my life.”

“I’ve had dogs my whole life, but Ben was 1 on 1,” Herbstreit said. “He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-curious-and welcoming to everyone. Always a big smile and a soft tail wagging. He and I could communicate. He and I understood each other and had each other’s backs. He was with me more than someone at home and traveling with me. Such a hard day – but he will live in us all forever. God bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life – a true blessing.

“Love you Ben.”

Herbstreit is expected to be on the call for the “Thursday Night Football” game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals on Prime Video.

(This story was updated with new information.)

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