RIP Ben: Beloved College Football Dog Tragically Dies of Cancer

On Nov. 7, 2024, football fans around the world were saddened to hear about the passing of Ben, a Golden Retriever belonging to sports commentator Kirk Herbstreit who had become a college football icon.

This announcement came only a few days after Herbstreit revealed that Ben was going throw chemotherapy and was having difficulties walking and eating. Herbstreit called the situation “one of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life.”

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Ben’s organs and 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. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate… He and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion.”

“Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing.
Love you Ben.”

Fans and celebrities paid their respects to the beloved canine, including fellow commentator Scott Van pelt, NFL Draft analyst Field Yates, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

On the road, Ben served as an emotional support animal for Herbstreit.

“What I do, people just think, ‘Well, you fly private, no problem!’ But you’re away from your family, and you’re working and you’re loving what you do, but it’s tough. So to be able to bring him was huge for me,” Herbstreit said,per Tess DeMeyer of The Athletic. “People say man’s best friend, but truly — it sounds weird — he is. He’s my guy.”

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Ben began to garner attention when he first appeared with Herbstreit on “College GameDay” in November 2021. Soon afterward, he became one of the most beloved animals in college football history.

“He’ll stop by a tailgate, and people are like, ‘Oh, my God, look! It’s Ben! Ben’s here!’ It’s the funniest thing to see the reaction from people,” Herbstreit said.

In the end, Mac Blank of Dawg Pound Daily put the fans’ feelings the best:

“Truly a devastating loss for all of the college football community,” Blank said on X. “He brought a lot of joy to the fans and viewers. So sorry for your loss Herb and thank you for sharing him for the world to see. I hope he’s pain free crossing that rainbow bridge.”

“RIP Ben, he was a good boy.”

Everyone’s thoughts at Newsweek Sports are with the Herbstreit family after this sad loss.