Kirk Herbstreit announces dog's death after golden retriever's cancer spread

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 loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit, 55, began in the Nov. 7 post. “We found out today that the cancer had spread all over Ben’s organs and there was nothing more we could do – we had to let him go.”

The former college football star explained how much Ben meant to him, writing that he and his dog “got along.”

“I've had dogs all my life, but Ben was one on one. He was smart, loving, gentle, patient, curious and hospitable to everyone. Always a big smile and a gentle wag of the tail. He and I were able to communicate.” “He and I understood each other and had each other's backs. He was at home more than anyone else and accompanied me to work,” Herbstreit added.

“A tough day – but it will live in 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. I love you.”, Ben. 🙏🏼”

Herbstriet previously shared an update on Ben's condition in a statement on November 4th, writing that Ben received a chemo injection on October 23rd but was “getting worse and worse.”

“Ben received a second chemo shot on October 23rd and from that day on he continued to get worse,” Herbstriet wrote. “He can no longer move his hind legs – almost as if they were paralyzed. He can barely walk anymore. He hasn’t eaten in three days.”

The TV host also shared that he is seeking additional care for Ben from a holistic veterinarian in Pennsylvania and expressed his deep gratitude to all the people who have shown love and care to Ben over the years.

“I am so grateful for ALL the love that so many have shown him over the last few years,” he wrote. “One of the hardest things I've been through in my life. Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all my heart. If you are a spiritual person, I would be happy if you pray for me boy.”

Herbstreit first revealed in a September 2 post on his X account that Ben had been diagnosed with leukemia in March. In the post, he shared that Ben had surgery in July to remove two cancerous tumors from his spleen and intestines. Herbstreit noted that they took it “a week each.”

“It's been a challenging off-season for Ben, but he has recovered incredibly over the last few weeks. “I’m just so grateful that he’s feeling better and can travel with me,” he said College Game Day host wrote. “Honestly, I think being out and about and seeing people on the street really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to.”

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

In an interview with The Athletic in 2023, Herbstreit also shared that Ben provided comfort during difficult times, including when his son Zak was hospitalized for a heart condition.

Herbstreit has four sons with his wife, Alison, and the family says they currently have three golden retrievers USA today.