Kirk Herbstreit pens emotional tribute to dog Ben, who died after cancer battle

ESPN football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, had died.

Ben had become a fixture around the set at College GameDay and various college and NFL games Herbstreit worked in the last two years, traveling with Herbstreit wherever he went and becoming a certified emotional support animal. The 10-year-old golden retriever had been battling cancer, which Herbstreit said Thursday had spread to Ben's vital organs.

"This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know," Herbstreit wrote on X. "We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Ben's organs and there was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go.

"I've had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 (of) 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate ... he and I understood each other and had each other's backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy-going companion.

"Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years — a true blessing.

"Love you Ben."