Kirk Herbstreit Gets Emotional as He Shares Tribute After Dog Ben’s Death: ‘America’s Best Friend’

Kirk Herbstreit describes the loss of his beloved dog Ben in words.

The ESPN commentator shared a tribute to the golden retriever — who had cancer and died Nov. 7 — during a College GameDay segment ahead of LSU’s football game against Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The emotional video featured videos and images of Herbstreit, 55, and Ben traveling in hotel rooms and Ben appearing on ESPN and at college games over the years. He shared that he “started bringing Ben on the road first” with him for support.

“I needed a companion,” Herbstreit said. “Hotel rooms can sometimes feel like islands of solitude and his warm presence has become my anchor at home, making my travels feel less like wandering and more like belonging.”

Kirk Herbstreit announces the death of his beloved golden retriever: ‘We had to let him go’

He said that when he was “working in a hotel room, a ‘broadcast booth’ or on the set of College GameDay, having Ben there with him helped him feel like he was ‘at home.’

“He made everyone happy, and he did it without even trying,” the ESPN insider said. “He would just wag that tail or nestle up against strangers like they were family, and they became.”

Herbstreit went on to say that Ben “didn’t care” who he was, because “everyone deserves his love” — and he hoped that message of “oneness” would be the message people took away from the dog’s life.

“The only downside to dogs as a species is that they don’t live long enough, but the warmth they give us never goes away. So neither will Ben,” an emotional Herbstreit could be heard saying. “The best friend of this man who became America’s best friend.”

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Kirk Herbstreit and his dog Ben on September 28, 2024.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty

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Herbstreit announced in a heartfelt Instagram post on Nov. 7 that he and his family made the decision to “let him go” after discovering the dog’s cancer had spread throughout his organs, adding, “There was nothing more we could do.”

“I’ve had dogs all my life, but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-kind-gentle-patient-curious-and friendly with everyone. Always a big smile and a gentle wagging of his tail. He and I could communicate. He and I got along and had my back more than anyone at home and traveled to work with me,” Herbstreit wrote in the caption.

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“Tough day – but he will live on in all of us forever,” concluded the NFL analyst. “God, please bless his magnificent soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years – a true blessing. I love you.” Ben. 🙏🏼,” he concluded.

Herbstreit has four sons with his wife, Alison, and the family currently has three other golden retrievers, according to USA Today.

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