Kirk Herbstreit’s Beloved Dog Ben, an ESPN Fixture, Has Died of Cancer

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved dog, Ben, has died after a battle with cancer. 

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit, 55, shared on social media Thursday, November 7. “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.”

Ben, a golden retriever, had been a regular fixture on the network, often appearing on the College GameDay set by Herbreit’s side and on the field at college football games. Ben would often get his own press credentials for games, which Herbsteit loved showing off on Instagram. 

“I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1,” Herbstreit continued. “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 other’s backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion.”

The post concluded, “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. 🙏”

Herbstreit announced that Ben’s health had taken a turn for the worst on Monday, November 4. 

“I’ve had so many people asking me about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit shared on social media. “Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse. He has lost use of his back legs-almost like they’re paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days.”

Herbstreit said he and Ben were spending time with a holistic doctor in Pennsylvania “who is administering a 3 day Vitamin C IV hoping it will flush the [toxins] from his body and give him a chance.”

“One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life,” Herbstreit wrote. “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.”

Members of the football community began expressing their condolences after Ben’s death was announced. 

“Love you Herby,” former Missouri quarterback and media personality Chase Daniel commented. 

Kristen Saban, the daughter of Herbstreit’s College GameDay cohost Nick Saban, wrote, “America’s favorite dog. So sorry, Kirk. He was the goodest boy.”