Kirk Herbstreit Announces Death of His Beloved Golden Retriever: 'We Had to Let Him Go'

Mar. 15, 2025

Kirk Herbstreit with his golden retriever dog, Ben.Photo:Kirk Herbstreit/Instagram

Kirk Herbstreit/Instagram

Kirk Herbstreithas lost a beloved member of his family.

“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, 55, began in the Nov. 7 post. “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 former college football star explained just how much Ben meant to him, writing that he and his dog “understood” one another.

“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 other’s backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easygoing companion,” Herbstreit added.

“Hard day — but he will live within all of us forever,” the NFL analyst concluded." 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. 🙏🏼"

Herbstriet previously shared an update on Ben’s condition in aNov. 4 statement, writing that Ben had received a chemo injection on Oct. 23 but was doing “worse and worse.”

“Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse,” Herbstriet wrote. “He has lost use of his back legs — almost like they’re paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days.”

“I’m so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple of years,” he wrote. “One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life. Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you’re a spiritual person, I’d love for you to pray for my boy.”

Herbstreit initially revealed that Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia in March in a Sept. 2 post to hisX account. In the post, he shared that Ben had surgery in July to remove two cancerous masses from his spleen and intestine. Herbstreit noted they were taking it “one week at a time.”

“Been a challenging offseason for Ben, but he has had an incredible recovery in the last few weeks. Just so thankful he’s feeling better and able to travel with me,” theCollegeGame Dayhost wrote. “Honestly, I think being out and seeing people on the road really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to.”

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Ben was a celebrity in his own right, often stealing the show during interviews and major broadcasts.

In a 2023 interview withThe Athletic, Herbstreit also shared that Ben provided comfort through difficult times, including whenhis son Zak was hospitalizeddue to a heart condition.

Herbstreit shares four sons with his wife Alison, and the family currently has three golden retrievers, according toUSA Today.

source: people.com