Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN’s lead college football analyst and co-host of Thursday Night Football, shared the sad news that his beloved golden retriever, Ben, has passed away. Ben, who had become a well-known and adored presence at football stadiums over the years, was not just a pet but also a service dog.
Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in March. Unfortunately, the cancer spread rapidly through his organs, and he passed away on Thursday at the age of 10 in human years. Herbstreit posted the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his grief over the loss of his loyal companion.
Kirk Herbstreit reflected on the unique bond he shared with his golden retriever, Ben, calling him “one of a kind.” He described Ben as smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious, and always friendly with everyone. Ben’s trademark was his constant smile and the soft wag of his tail.
In late July, Ben underwent surgery to remove cancerous masses from his spleen and intestine. Herbstreit shared in September that, while it had been a tough time for Ben, the dog made a remarkable recovery in the weeks following the procedure. Ben was even able to travel with Herbstreit, which he believed helped lift Ben’s spirits.
However, after receiving a second round of chemotherapy on October 23, Ben’s condition took a turn for the worse. He lost the ability to use his back legs, prompting Herbstreit to seek additional treatment from a holistic doctor, who administered a three-day Vitamin C IV to help detoxify Ben’s system. Unfortunately, the treatment did not provide the hoped-for recovery, and Herbstreit made the heartbreaking decision to let Ben go.
Kirk Herbstreit expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love Ben received from fans over the past couple of years, calling it one of the most difficult experiences of his life. He described Ben as his “best friend and companion,” adding that he loved him with all his heart.
Ben had become a beloved figure in the football world, earning official credentials in both the NFL and college football this season thanks to his playful antics on broadcasts. The Atlanta Falcons even gave him the title “Wide Retriever” for a Week 5 Thursday Night Football game, while the Miami Dolphins named him the “Chief Happiness Officer of Football” for their Week 2 game.
Just last week, ahead of the Penn State-Ohio State game, the Penn State team showed their love for Ben by gifting him some treats and dubbing him the “Treat Analyst.”
Ben also made an appearance during one of the first major matchups of the 2024 college football season, appearing on the ESPN pregame broadcast of the LSU vs. Southern California game in Las Vegas. While Herbstreit and his co-host, Rece Davis, were on air, Ben happily wagged his tail between them, eagerly waiting for some attention. One viewer even joked, “He didn’t even need a square. Ben’s a pro.”
Last year, Herbstreit shared that Ben had earned the title of “certified emotional service animal,” adding yet another achievement to his impressive list of accolades.
Reflecting on their time together, Herbstreit expressed deep gratitude, writing, “God, please bless his majestic soul and thank you for bringing him into my life for the past 10 years — a true blessing.”