ESPN College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit has announced the death of his dog Ben after learning he had cancer.
“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,” the college football commentator said on X.
The “Thursday Night Football” crew mourned the loss of Kirk's golden boy Ben, with host Charissa Thompson paying tribute on the broadcast ahead of a showdown between the Ravens and Bengals.
“We want to share our deepest sympathies with our teammate Kirk Herbstreit on the passing of his beloved dog, Ben. We all loved seeing Ben here every single week. He was a huge part of the ‘TNF’ family and he will be very missed,” Thompson said.
Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Indiana, for the Hoosiers' game against Washington on Oct. 26. His friendliness and handsomeness made him a crowd favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.
This is one of my favorite videos I was able to capture of Ben and @KirkHerbstreit . Ben rolling around on the field in Athens before Georgia’s game against Ole Miss. Sending so much love to the Herbstreit family. Ben was a special dog who brought football fan bases together.… pic.twitter.com/vf8N2SM5sC
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) November 7, 2024
Prayers to you @KirkHerbstreit and to Ben, we were so happy to meet you both here in Fayetteville. He’ll always be a good boy. https://t.co/XbwPvwiC2C pic.twitter.com/ttHqf4Cc3l
— Jon Williams (@radiojondeek) November 7, 2024
The Herbstreit hound at Indiana. RIP Ben pic.twitter.com/WAEptXpqc4
— Dan Raley (@DanRaley1) November 7, 2024
Ben Herbstreit, dog of football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has passed away at 10-years-old 💔 pic.twitter.com/VH4kVcIbiS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 7, 2024