Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit’s popular dog, Ben, dies

(AP) – Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, has died at age 10.

Ben was a golden retriever who gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and on the sidelines.

Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, published on X that the cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and “there was nothing left we could do – we had to let him go.”

The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he’s had dogs his whole life, but “Ben was 1 for 1.”

Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Indiana for the Hoosiers’ game against Washington on October 26th. His kindness and frolic made him a favorite among players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.

Herbstreit told The Associated Press last year that Ben provided a piece of home on the way.

“Just having him come out with me is the best companion you could hope for. He’s super chill and approachable,” Herbstreit said before an NFL game last December in Las Vegas. “What’s cool is taking him to the games. Both production groups have gotten to know him. He’s really become part of the team. If I don’t take him to the meetings, people ask.”