Kirk Herbstreit has long been known as one of the most famous college football analysts in the country. Last year, Kirk brought a family member to the spotlight: his dog, Ben.
Ben first made his debut in 2021, when he appeared on ESPN’s College Gameday. In 2023, Ben joined his owner Kirk throughout the season as an emotional support dog.
“When I was working in a hotel room, a broadcast booth, or the College Gameday set, reaching down and feeling that fur on my feet made me feel like I was home,” Herbstreit said in Ben’s tribute on Gameday last Saturday. In January, Ben became the first dog to have an accredited media pass to the Rose Bowl. He was the game’s “Chief Happiness Officer.” He has since been accredited at other football games under many other titles like “Treat Analyst” or “Wide Retriever” to name a few.
College football has always been graced with the presence of iconic live mascots. Over the last two seasons, Ben has had encounters with Georgia’s bulldog mascot Uga XI, Texas A&M’s Reveille and Even the Texas Longhorn Bevo.
Ben had a profound effect on those around him. While accompanying Kirk, you could always find someone petting him. From laying at the feet of commentator Rece Davis in the broadcast booth, to receiving pets from former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy just moments before a College Football Playoff game, there was never a doubt he was loved by all he encountered.
Following Ben’s passing, Kirk still went to work for Thursday Night Football between the Bengals and Ravens, followed by a trip to Baton Rouge for the Alabama versus LSU game on Saturday. Those who traveled to that game could find a billboard from Raising Cane’s, a fast-food restaurant whose name originates from its founder’s pet dog, offering the restaurant’s condolences from one iconic pet to another.
"Our hearts and paws go out to Kirk Herbstreit and his family during this time," the Cane's official account posted on Nov. 8. "Ben touched all of our lives and will be dearly missed.”
Ben is survived by his adopted brothers, Mitch, Theo and Peter, who just recently turned one year old. Kirk returned to the College Gameday desk Saturday, this time accompanied by Peter who, like Ben, helped him feel at home in a time of struggle.
“A dog’s only flaw is they don’t live long enough,” Kirk said, “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.”