Kirk Herbstreit's famous dog Ben has died: “Bless his majestic soul”

CINCINNATI – ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his dog Ben has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 10.

Ben, a golden retriever, was Herbstreit's broadcast partner as the two traveled the country together every weekend to cover college football games.

“This is really hard to write, but so many of you loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. “We found out today that the cancer had spread to Ben's organs and there was nothing we could do – we had to let him go,” Herbstreit wrote in a post to X. “I've had dogs all my life, but Ben was one of them.” 1. He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious, and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail.

“He and I were able to communicate. He and I got along and supported each other. He was at home with me more than anyone else and traveled with me to work. Such an uncomplicated companion. Tough day – but it will live in all of us forever. God, please bless his majestic soul and thank you for bringing him into my life over the last 10 years – a true blessing. I love you, Ben,” he added.

In March, Ben was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia. On Monday, Herbstreit shared an update on Ben's health, saying he “can barely walk” and “hasn't eaten in three days” after receiving a second chemotherapy injection on October 23.

“I am currently in Pennsylvania seeing a holistic doctor who is giving him Vitamin C IV for three days in hopes that it will flush the toxins out of his body and give him a fighting chance. The next 24 to 48 hours will show us whether he has a chance or not,” Herbstreit wrote in a post to X on Monday. “I am so grateful for ALL the love that so many have shown him over the last few years. One of the hardest things I've been through in my life. Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all my heart. If you are a spiritual person, I would appreciate it if you would pray for my boy. He's currently in the emergency room overnight and I'm picking him up tomorrow for another round of vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he gets through this.”

Ben had surgery in July to remove two cancerous tumors on his intestines and spleen, Herbstreit said in a Sept. 2 post to “

Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, has long been a fixture on ESPN's “College GameDay” panel. Ben first joined Herbstreit on the show's set in November 2021 when Tulsa played the University of Cincinnati, the city where the Herbstreit family lives. The two also traveled together each week for the NFL's Thursday Night Football broadcasts on Amazon Prime.