On Thursday, renowned football analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared the heartbreaking news of his golden retriever, Ben, who passed away at 10 years old, due to cancer. Ben was not just a pet; he was Herbstreit’s loyal companion who often accompanied him to football games and even made appearances on set and at the sidelines.
Herbstreit, known for his commentary on college football for ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, took to X to express his sorrow, stating that the cancer had spread throughout Ben’s organs, leaving them with no choice but to say goodbye. “There was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go,” he wrote.
The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback reminisced, saying, “I’ve had dogs my entire life, but Ben was special; he was my one-on-one.” Ben had been a cherished presence in Herbstreit’s life, often providing a sense of home while traveling for games.
Ben’s last trip was to Bloomington, Indiana, on October 26, for a game between the Hoosiers and Washington. His charming personality won over players, coaches, and fans alike, leading to an outpouring of condolences on social media following the announcement of his passing.
In an interview with The Associated Press last year, Herbstreit described Ben as the “best companion you could hope for,” adding, “He’s super chill and welcoming.” He fondly remembered how both production teams he worked with had come to know Ben well, stating, “He’s really become part of the team. If I don’t bring him to the meetings, people ask.”
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