Kirk Herbstreit, the well-known sports broadcaster for ESPN, is no stranger to life on the road, especially with his extensive college football coverage. However, for the past several years, his travels have been far from lonely.
Accompanying Herbstreit everywhere was his loyal golden retriever, Ben. From the field to the broadcast booth, Ben was always by his side, becoming a beloved fixture not just in Herbstreit’s life, but in the hearts of fans across the country. The charismatic dog even became a fan favorite, uniting crowds even during heated sports rivalries.
Ben’s presence was especially treasured by Herbstreit, and the feeling was mutual. As time passed, Ben, like all dogs, began to slow down with age, but he never lost his enthusiasm for life. Unfortunately, the bond they shared couldn’t last forever.
Herbstreit reflected on the deep emotional connection he had with Ben, acknowledging the inevitable grief that comes with the loss of a beloved pet. “Dogs’ only flaw as a species is that they don’t live long enough. But the warmth they give us—that never goes away,” he shared. “So neither will Ben.”