Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved dog, Ben, has died

(AP) – Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog Ben died at age 10.

Ben was a golden retriever who became famous for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and on the sidelines.

Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, posted on X that cancer had spread to his dog’s organs and “there was nothing more we could do – we had to let him go.”

The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he’s had dogs his whole life, but “Ben was one on one.”

Ben most recently traveled to Bloomington, Indiana on October 26th for the Hoosiers’ game against Washington. His kindness and exuberance made him a favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.

Herbstreit told the Associated Press last year that Ben provided a piece of home on the road.

“Just him coming out with me is the best companion you could hope for. He’s super relaxed and welcoming,” Herbstreit said before an NFL game last December in Las Vegas. “The cool thing is taking him to the games. Both production groups got to know him. He has really become part of the team. If I don’t bring him to the meetings, people ask.”