Ben Herbstreit

Kirk Herbstreit Mourns His Furry Co-Analyst: Bye Bye, Ben!

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit shares heartfelt tribute to his loyal golden retriever, Ben, who brought joy to football fans everywhere.

Kirk Herbstreit, the well-known college football analyst for ESPN's "College GameDay" and co-host of the NFL's "Thursday Night Football", shared the heartbreaking news of his golden retriever Ben's passing. After a courageous battle with cancer, the lovable pooch left this world at the age of 10, forever leaving a paw-shaped void in the hearts of both Kirk and football fans across the country. Kirk’s emotional tribute on social media painted a picture of a dog who wasn’t just a pet but a cherished companion, always there to wag his tail on game day and bring smiles to everyone he met.

Ben wasn’t just any dog—he was a superstar in his own right! Known for accompanying Kirk to countless college campuses and stadiums, he quickly became a favorite among fans. From tailgating with die-hard supporters to posing for selfies with students, Ben's canine charisma enchanted audiences from one game to the next. His antics and heartwarming presence even made him something of a mascot in the college football world, turning him into a local celebrity with a following of his own!

Kirk's announcement sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and fellow analysts alike. The bond between a man and his dog is unlike any other, and Kirk's followers were quick to share their own stories of love and loss in their tributes to Ben. One fan amusingly compared Ben to a referee; always present, always watching, but never calling any penalties, which goes to show how much joy he brought without ruffling any feathers.

In the end, Kirk’s heartfelt goodbye to Ben serves as a reminder that our dogs often provide us with more than companionship—they teach us love, loyalty, and the importance of living in the moment. Ben may have chased his last tennis ball, but the legacy he left behind is forever sprouting tail wags in the hearts of those who knew him.

Did you know? Goldens are often considered the most family-friendly breed! Their love for humans stretches beyond being a furry roommate; they're also known to be wonderful service dogs. Also, Kirk Herbstreit isn’t the only one mourning his four-legged friend; many sports figures have seen their pets become stars in their own right! Just like Ben, they uplift our spirits while adding a touch of joy to the games we love!