Kirk Herbstreit shared a heartfelt tribute to his golden retriever Ben, who became an iconic presence at college football games. 'I've had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 of 1.' His unique and endearing personality resonated with fans, as he brought joy to ESPN broadcasts and served as a source of comfort during difficult times. Despite Ben's battle with leukemia and lymphoma, his legacy lives on in the hearts of sports fans everywhere.
In announcing Ben's passing, Herbstreit emphasized the bond they shared: 'This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben.' He illustrated the affection and loyalty that Ben had shown throughout their time together, even describing how his family had prioritized Ben's needs, saying, 'I report to Ben, is kind of how it works. Everyone else reports to my wife and I, and we report to Ben.'
Ben's journey from a beloved pet to a media personality began when he appeared on the set of ESPN's College GameDay. 'Ben first joined Herbstreit on the set in November 2021, making appearances at local games to the delight of fans,' showing how his presence helped connect viewers with personal stories in the sports world. His remarkable adaptability to the fast-paced life of sports broadcasting made him a cherished figure among audiences.
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