Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved dog, Ben, has died

A golden retriever turned college football icon has died.

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog Ben, a constant companion on his weekly football travels across the U.S., died from cancer that had spread throughout his 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," he wrote on X. "I've had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 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."

Ben, a large, fluffy golden, had enjoyed an increasing presence on social media and ESPN/ABC broadcasts in recent years.

He become a certified emotional service animal in 2023 and started joining his dad on full-time road trips.

He often appeared on the field with his own media pass interacting with other living mascots, hanging out in locker rooms and team facilities and joining his dad in production meetings.

But his main job was to provide Herbstreit with a slice of home while he's away working Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football games, Saturday's "College GameDay" on ESPN and Saturday night's primetime game on ABC.

Herbstreit shared earlier in the week that he had been undergoing chemo injections to slow the cancer, which had caused him to lose use of his back legs and lose his appetite. Other treatments, such as a Vitamin C IV were also unsuccessful.

"I'm so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple years," Kirk wrote. "One of the hardest things I've gone through in my life. Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart."