ESPN host bids emotional farewell to family member, 'majestic soul'

Kirk Herbstreit, the popular ESPN and Amazon Prime NFL college football analyst, announced in an emotional social media post on Thursday that his golden retriever, Ben, had died after a battle with cancer. 10-year-old Ben had become a sensation among football fans due to the airtime he received over the years.

Herbstreit said Ben's cancer had spread to his organs.

“I've had dogs my whole life, but Ben was one on one,” Herbstreit wrote in a post with a photo of him and Ben on what looks like a golf cart. “He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious and hospitable to all. Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail. He and I were able to communicate. He and I got along and supported each other. He was at home with me more than anyone else and traveled with me to work. Such an uncomplicated companion.

“A hard day – but it will live in all of us forever. God, please bless his majestic soul and thank you for bringing him into my life over the last 10 years – a true blessing. I love you, Ben.”

Ben and Herbstreit were inseparable. Ben traveled to the various games the analyst worked and often appeared on air. According to The Athletic, Ben Herbstreit first joined ESPN's “College GameDay” in 2021.

Herbstreit wrote in September that Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March and subsequently had two tumors removed. He experienced an “incredible recovery,” said Herbstreit. On November 4th, he said that Ben was “getting worse and worse” after receiving a second chemotherapy injection on October 23rd. Herbstreit said he went to Pennsylvania for treatment with a holistic doctor as a last resort.