Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, died at age 10.
Ben was a golden retriever who gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and the sideline.
Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, that cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and 鈥渢here was nothing left we could do 鈥� we had to let him go.鈥�
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 Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go. I鈥檝e had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on鈥�
鈥� Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit)
The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he’s had dogs his whole life but 鈥淏en was 1 on 1.鈥�
Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Indiana, for the Hoosiers鈥� game against Washington on Oct. 26. His friendliness and frolicking made him a favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.
that Ben provided a piece of home on the road.
鈥淛ust having him come out with me is the best companion you can hope for. He鈥檚 super chill and welcoming,鈥� Herbstreit said before an NFL game last December in Las Vegas. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 cool is taking him to the games. Both production groups have got to know him. He鈥檚 really become part of the team. If I don鈥檛 bring him to the meetings, people ask.鈥�
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
