Kirk Herbstreit could’ve taken the night off and many more days if he truly wanted to.
The ESPN broadcaster announced Thursday that his dog, Ben, whom NFL and college football fans alike have become familiar with, died at the age of 10.
“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 wrote. “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. 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 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.”
The NFL and college football analyst got his emotions in check for later that night before he called the Amazon Prime Video broadcast of Thursday Night Football between the Bengals and the Ravens in Baltimore.
Kirk Herbstreit, who had asked days earlier for prayers for his dog, finished his job and then went right back to social media to thank his supporters and express gratitude while dealing with his family tragedy.
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The beloved golden retriever had grabbed a special place in football fans’ hearts, and we are feeling the effects of Ben’s sudden death.
NFL on Prime Shared Emotional Tribute To Kirk Herbstreit And His Dog
The sports world had an unexpected loss this week after football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog Ben has died.
Known for accompanying Herbstreit to college football and NFL games across the country, Ben had certainly become a celebrity amongst fans.
Before the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens battled at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday Night Football, NFL on Prime shared a tribute video via Twitter for Herbstreit and his fallen soldier.
“We want to share our deepest sympathies with our teammate Kirk Herbstreit on the passing of his beloved dog, Ben. We all loved seeing Ben here every single week. He was a huge part of the ‘TNF’ family, and he will be very missed,” Charissa Thompson said.
Herbstreit serves as an analyst on the Prime Video broadcast and for college football on ESPN.
