The Heartbreaking Death Of ESPN Analyst Kirk Herbstreit's Internet Famous Dog Ben
Bidding that final farewell is a harsh reality that no pet owner wants to face, and unfortunately ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit had to face it on November 7. His golden retriever, Ben, crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a battle with cancer. Herbstreit shared the news on his X account, calling his canine companion a "majestic soul." Ben was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in March 2024, according to NBC5 Dallas Fort Worth. In his post, Herbstreit shared that the cancer had spread throughout Ben's organs, leaving him with no other option than to say goodbye.
RIP Ben
Ultimate football guypic.twitter.com/Dc2by9HSwG
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 7, 2024
But Ben wasn't just Herbstreit's faithful companion and service dog — he was also an internet star. The former The Ohio State University quarterback serves as an analyst for ESPN's "College GameDay," a position that involves travel on a weekly basis for the show. However, in November 2021, Herbstreit didn't have to travel far because it was filmed in his hometown of Cincinnati. He decided to bring his dog to work that day, and that's when the world fell in love with Ben. Now countless pet lovers all over the country are mourning the loss along with Herbstreit.
Remembering Ben Herbstreit, the internet-famous golden retriever
After that fateful first game, Ben started appearing on "College GameDay" alongside his analyst dad more often — and it was the perfect setup. "I just wanted a companion out on the road with me, as much as I travel, and he's my really good buddy," Herbstreit said in a TikTok video, per the Miami Herald. Fans enjoyed the good boy just as much. "Every time I knew I was going to the same game as Ben I was automatically happier," one fan wrote. The outpouring has been so great, in fact, Ben's legacy became a trending topic on X.
In an Instagram post, Herbstreit revealed Ben was an official emotional support animal, but he'd already been offering him and his family comfort and joy ever since he joined their family in 2014. Even throughout his fight with cancer, the beloved golden retriever brought smiles to thousands, either in person or on television. "He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive- and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag," Herbstreit's post read.
Sadly, despite chemo treatment earlier this year, Ben's condition worsened, notably after an October 23 injection, as he announced on X. Herbstreit continued sharing updates of Ben's progress, leading up to the one everyone hoped they'd never read. He ended the post by thanking God for putting Ben in his life and calling him a blessing. In addition to his human family members, Ben leaves behind three other golden retrievers with whom he shared his home, Theo, Mitch, and Peter, per the Associated Press.