Kirk Herbstreit, renowned ESPN and Amazon Prime Video football analyst, recently announced the death of his beloved golden retriever, Ben. Ben, who was not only a companion but also an emotional support animal, accompanied Herbstreit to numerous football games and broadcasts, becoming a fan favorite. Sadly, after a battle with cancer, Ben passed away, leaving behind a legacy of joy and companionship.
The sports and animal-loving communities are mourning the loss of Ben, the cherished golden retriever of ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit. Known for his appearances on 'College GameDay' and various football broadcasts, Ben was more than just a pet; he was a certified emotional support animal and a source of happiness for many. His death comes after a tough battle with cancer, deeply affecting Herbstreit and Ben's widespread fan base.
Ben joined Herbstreit's family over a decade ago and quickly became more than just a pet. Diagnosed with leukemia in March, Ben underwent surgery in July but continued to struggle with the disease. Despite receiving chemotherapy, his condition worsened, leading to his peaceful passing. Ben's role extended beyond companionship as he was officially recognized as an emotional support animal, providing comfort not just to Herbstreit but to many around the nation.
Ben's presence in the sports world was significant. He often appeared alongside Herbstreit during broadcasts, charming fans and players alike. His friendly demeanor and wagging tail became a comforting sight at many games. Teams even recognized his impact, with some like the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons creating special credentials for him, humorously naming him 'Chief Happiness Officer of Football' and 'wide retriever.'
Following the announcement of Ben's passing, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and those touched by Ben's joyous spirit. Herbstreit shared his gratitude for the overwhelming support and touching messages received, highlighting how deeply Ben had impacted lives. Ben's legacy as a symbol of joy and companionship in the sports broadcasting world will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of meeting him or watching him on screen.
Ben's passing is a profound loss not only to Kirk Herbstreit but also to the many lives he touched. His legacy as a companion, emotional support animal, and a beloved figure in sports broadcasting will endure, commemorated by the joy and comfort he provided to so many.
"There was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go. I've had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all ... Hard day — but he will live within all of us forever." - Kirk Herbstreit