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Kirk Herbstreit, the esteemed ESPN host, has shared the heartbreaking news of his dog Ben's passing. Ben, a golden retriever adored by many football fans for his appearances alongside ESPN announcers, had battled serious health issues in recent months.

In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Herbstreit expressed the difficulty in conveying the loss. "This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know," he wrote. He shared that Ben's cancer had spread beyond treatment, leading to the difficult decision to let him go. Ben, who was ten years old, had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, requiring chemotherapy and significant surgery.

Though Ben had shown incredible recovery in September and even resumed traveling with Herbstreit for his College GameDay role, his health recently took a dire turn. On Monday, Herbstreit informed his supporters that Ben had deteriorated after a second chemotherapy injection on October 23. "He has lost use of his back legs-almost like they're paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn't eaten in 3 days," Herbstreit explained their dire circumstances.

Herbstreit and Ben had sought the expertise of a holistic doctor in Pennsylvania, who attempted treating Ben with vitamin C. Reflecting on their bond, Herbstreit wrote, "I've had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. 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 fondly remembered Ben as his loyal companion at home and on travels, describing him as an "easy-going companion."

Throughout his appearances on ESPN, Ben earned affectionate titles like "chief happiness officer of football" and "treat analyst," earning him a special place in the hearts of fans. Herbstreit’s social media was filled with tributes to Ben and praise for Herbstreit’s dedication to his work despite his grief. A fan remarked, "We love you, Kirk. This man calls a game the day his dog passes. He loves football, but more importantly, he loved Ben. That dog was truly one of a kind."

Ben’s memory will undoubtedly live on within those who knew and loved him, both through Herbstreit’s heartfelt tribute and the lasting impression he made on football fans everywhere.