ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit shared on social media Thursday that his dog Ben, who had become a popular figure at college football games, died after a battle with cancer.
“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,” the social media post read. “I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all.”
The golden retriever traveled with Herbstreit to several games this season, including the Georgia-Alabama game as well as Tennessee vs. Oklahoma in September and LSU vs. Texas A&M on Oct. 26.
Herbstreit shared earlier this year that Ben was undergoing treatment for cancer, which endeared college football fans to the 10-year-old dog.
This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens 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… pic.twitter.com/jDvPTbNv2M
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 7, 2024
Meanwhile...#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/0MgnAJGjKb
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 31, 2024