“America’s Best Friend”: Kirk Herbstreit Pays Emotional Tribute to

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It was an emotional scene on ESPN’s “College GameDay” as Kirk Herbstreit honored his dog Ben, who passed away from cancer earlier this week.

For the last 10 years, Ben would travel weekly with Herbstreit for college football, and later the NFL, when he joined Amazon’s booth for Thursday Night Football.

Ben Herbstreit — *Credit: William McLelland-Imagn Images*Credit: William McLelland-Imagn Images

Ben would be by Herbstreit’s side, on the field and at the desk, as he was beloved by everyone.

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go,” Herbstreit posted to X on Thursday. “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 others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion. Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. 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.”

This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go. I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on… pic.twitter.com/jDvPTbNv2M

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 7, 2024

Because of Ben’s love and popularity, the very good boy trended on social media as thousands sent their condolences to Herbstreit and his family.

On Saturday, “College GameDay” paid tribute to Ben. Herbstreit got choked up and teary-eyed when talking about his beloved companion before the tribute video was played.

“Dogs’ only flaw as a species is they don’t live long enough, but the warmth they give us, that never goes away, so neither will Ben. This man’s best friend who became America’s best friend,” Herbstreit said in the video.

Watch the full video below.

We love you, Ben ❤️ @KirkHerbstreit pays tribute to his best friend 🐶 pic.twitter.com/i0G4VAnF7X

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 9, 2024