DALLAS — It is a sad day in the college football world as ESPN Analyst and Commentator Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his beloved dog, Ben.
Ben, who had gone viral multiple times this season for getting plenty of media attention before and during the games that Kirk attended, spent the last 10 years of his life with Herbstreit.
“I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 of 1,” Herbstreit said in his announcement on X. “He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag.”
Herbstreit said his family was forced to let him go after it was discovered cancer had spread throughout Ben’s 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. 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’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on… pic.twitter.com/jDvPTbNv2M
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 7, 2024
Following the announcement, countless members of the college football community have posted kind words and highlights of Ben’s best moments over the past season.
RIP BenUltimate football guypic.twitter.com/Dc2by9HSwG
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 7, 2024
All Football Guys go to Heaven RIP Ben the Dog pic.twitter.com/AGA6ET3wk9
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) November 7, 2024
REST IN PEACE TO A SPORTS ICON, BEN. 💔🫡Today is a very sad day. pic.twitter.com/GBrm7laSyq
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 7, 2024
Ben was known to be a very good boy and a steady part of Kirk’s hectic work schedule. A loss of this magnitude has truly tugged at the heartstrings of many around the country.
“Hard day but he will live within all of us forever,” Herbstreit said in his post. “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.”