Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his famed dog, Ben, died at age 10.
A certified emotional service animal, 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, posted on X that cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and “there was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go.”
The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he has had dogs his whole life but “Ben was 1 on 1.”
Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Ind., for the Hoosiers’ game against Washington on Oct. 26. His friendliness and frolicking made him a favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.
Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March and underwent surgery in July, according to ESPN. Herbstreit said this week that Ben had received a second chemotherapy injection in late October, and the dog’s condition was worsening.
“One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life,” Herbstreit posted Monday. “Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart.”
The dog became a fan favorite in 2023 when Herbstreit first brought it on the road. Herbstreit explained in January how much he loved the Ben phenomenon.
“There is just something different about him,” he said. “I’m just happy people love his happiness and it makes them have a better day. It wasn’t the intent. I just wanted a companion out on the road with me as much as I travel. He’s my really good buddy.”
Tribune news services contributed.
