Kirk Herbstreit’s famous dog Ben dies: ‘Bless his majestic soul’

CINCINNATI - ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit on Thursday announced his dog, Ben, has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 10.

Ben, a golden retriever, was Herbstreit's broadcast partner as the two traveled across the country together to cover college football games each weekend.

"This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. 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," Herbstreit wrote in a post to 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 others 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," he added.

Ben was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia in March. On Monday, Herbstreit shared an update on Ben's health, saying he "could barely walk" and "hasn't eaten in three days" after receiving a second chemotherapy injection on Oct. 23.

"I'm currently in Pennsylvania with a holistic Dr who is administering a 3 day Vitamin C IV hoping it will flush the toxics from his body and give him a chance. The next 24-48 hours will tell us if he has a chance or not," Herbstreit wrote in a post to X on Monday. "I'm so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple years. 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. If you're a spiritual person I'd love for you to pray for my boy. He's currently in an ER hospital overnight and I'm picking him up tomorrow for another round of Vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he pulls out of it."

Ben underwent surgery in July to remove two cancerous masses on his intestine and spleen, Herbstreit said in a post to X on Sept. 2. Herbstreit said Ben "had an incredible recovery" and that he was "taking it one week at a time."

Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, has been a longtime staple of ESPN's "College GameDay" panel. Ben first joined Herbstreit on the show's set in November 2021 when Tulsa played at the University of Cincinnati, the city where the Herbstreit family resides. The two also traveled together for NFL Thursday Night Football broadcasts each week on Amazon Prime.