Kirk Herbstreit's beloved dog Ben dies after battling cancer

“This is really hard to write, but so many of you loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today that the cancer had spread to Ben's organs and there was nothing we could do – we had to let it happen.” “He's leaving,” Herbstreit announced on social media Thursday.

The news sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes and prayers.

Ben had become one of the most famous dogs in the media in recent years, accompanying Herbstreit on the set of College GameDay, on the field before games and even jumping into the broadcast booth. He became so popular in the football world that he was approved for games and became the “Chief Happiness Officer” for the 2024 Rose Bowl Game. There was also the iconic meeting of other canine mascots such as Uga and Reveille.

Ben was last at the Texas A&M vs. LSU game at Kyle Field on October 26th.

However, the golden retriever had been battling an illness and had not traveled as much this football season compared to previous years. On Monday, Herbstreit said Ben was being treated for cancer and had lost the use of his back legs. After spending Monday night in a veterinary clinic, he was scheduled to undergo another vitamin C treatment that would hopefully “flush the toxins from his body and give him a fighting chance.”