Kirk Herbstreit has been one of the faces of college football since the late 1990s — just a few years after he completed his career as a quarterback at Ohio State. But in 2023, Herbstreit had a new challenger for the top TV personality in the sport: his dog, Ben.
From the moment Herbstreit took Ben on the road, the golden retriever became a beloved member of his appearances on ESPN College GameDay, ESPN's College Football Game of the Week and Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime. Ben was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in March. Herbsteit announced Thursday that Ben had died from the disease. He was 10 years old.
On Saturday, Herbsteit honored Ben with a touching tribute on College GameDay.
Thank you again for all the outpouring of love for our Ben. I cant tell you how much it means to me and my family.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 9, 2024
He wasnt just my best friend he was Americas best friend pic.twitter.com/WtpR2fHjjq
"Dogs are known as man's best friend. But what do you call a dog that becomes a nation's best friend? You call him Ben," Herbstreit said. "Dogs' only flaw as a species is that they don't live long enough. But the warmth they give us — it never goes away. So neither will Ben. This man's best friend became America's best friend."
Ben's death led to an outpouring of love for the golden retriever on social media. Ohio State football and several other programs offered Herbstreit and his family their condolences.
Rest in Peace to the best boy, Ben. You will be missed @KirkHerbstreit pic.twitter.com/ZSDsaYquU3
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 7, 2024
were so lucky we got to meet you, Ben #HookEm | @KirkHerbstreit pic.twitter.com/LqwZmuUGDa
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) November 7, 2024
Rest in peace to a Damn Good Dawg.@KirkHerbstreit #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/L0YS9wJKnH
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) November 7, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ben Herbstreit, beloved member of the Herbstreit family. Bens loss touches all of us at Ohio State, where we had the privilege of caring for him. Bens gentle spirit touched so many lives. We are so sorry for your loss @KirkHerbstreit. pic.twitter.com/OIxiFpODpC
— OhioStateVetCollege (@OSUVetCollege) November 8, 2024
Our hearts and paws go out to @KirkHerbstreit and his family during this time. Ben touched all of our lives, and will be dearly missed.
— Raising Cane's (@raisingcanes) November 8, 2024
From the entire Raising Cane's Family, @ToddGraves and Raising Cane III pic.twitter.com/uri8M5wzTC
