Kirk Herbstreit Announces Death of His Beloved Golden Retriever: 'We Had to Let Him Go'

Kirk Herbstreit has lost a beloved member of his family.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the ESPN commentator shared that he and his family decided to say goodbye to Ben, the golden retriever, after learning the dog's cancer had spread.

"This is really hard to write, but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit, 55, began in the Nov. 7 post. “We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Ben's organs and there was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go.”

The former college football star explained just how much Ben meant to him, writing that he and his dog “understood" one another.

"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 other's backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easygoing companion," Herbstreit added.

"Hard day — but he will live within all of us forever," the NFL analyst concluded." 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. 🙏🏼"

Herbstriet previously shared an update on Ben's condition in a Nov. 4 statement, writing that Ben had received a chemo injection on Oct. 23 but was doing "worse and worse."

"Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse," Herbstriet wrote. "He has lost use of his back legs — almost like they're paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn't eaten in 3 days."

The TV host also shared that he was seeking additional care for Ben from a holistic vet in Pennsylvania and expressed his immense gratitude to all the people who had shown Ben love and care over the years.

"I'm so thankful for ALL the love so many have shown him over the last couple of years," he wrote. "One of the hardest things I've gone through in my life. Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you're a spiritual person, I'd love for you to pray for my boy." 

Herbstreit initially revealed that Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia in March in a Sept. 2 post to his X account. In the post, he shared that Ben had surgery in July to remove two cancerous masses from his spleen and intestine. Herbstreit noted they were taking it "one week at a time."

"Been a challenging offseason for Ben, but he has had an incredible recovery in the last few weeks. Just so thankful he's feeling better and able to travel with me," the CollegeGame Day host wrote. "Honestly, I think being out and seeing people on the road really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to."

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Ben was a celebrity in his own right, often stealing the show during interviews and major broadcasts. 

In a 2023 interview with The Athletic, Herbstreit also shared that Ben provided comfort through difficult times, including when his son Zak was hospitalized due to a heart condition.

Herbstreit shares four sons with his wife Alison, and the family currently has three golden retrievers, according to USA Today.