Ben Herbstreit stole the hearts of college football fans across the country. As he escorted his dad (a.k.a. his owner) Ben Herbstreit from one campus to the next, Ben became a sort of national mascot for college football.
The adorable and lovable golden retriever has seen everything from on-stage photobombs during ESPN College GameDay to on-field press credentials at Texas, Texas A&M, and more.
Devastatingly, Herbstreit shared that his fluffy friend was battling cancer after his absence from the show's trip to Eugene earlier this season. On Monday, Herbstreit shared an update that Ben was really struggling with the disease and on Thursday, he shared that beloved Ben had passed away.
This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens 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… pic.twitter.com/jDvPTbNv2M
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 7, 2024
Immediately, college football fans, teams, and even mascots started to pour out their love for Kirk and Ben, mourning the loss of such a gentle and loving animal. Earlier this season, Ben had the opportunity to visit Texas' campus ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs –– and yes, he even got to meet Bevo.
we’re so lucky we got to meet you, Ben 🫶🤘#HookEm | @KirkHerbstreit pic.twitter.com/LqwZmuUGDa
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) November 7, 2024
Everyone was devastated by the loss of Ben, a well-traveled and well-trained national mascot. Herbstreit's sidekick was 10 years old when he passed and the analyst shared that his phone didn't stop ringing with heartfelt messages and condolences after the news of Ben's passing.
Longhorn Forever
— Barstool Longhorn (@UTBarstool) November 7, 2024
RIP Ben 🧡 https://t.co/1J84k1LEe5 pic.twitter.com/HCGyJhXEQM
Kirk Herbstreit's son, Jake Herbstreit, shared a video of when Ben walked onto the field at Darrell K Royal Texas-Memorial Stadium and the crowd went wild. It perfectly captures exactly what Ben meant to the world of college football, no matter which team a fan cheers for.
This is such a sweet video from our time in Texas a couple weeks ago. The crowd reaction makes me smile every time. Glad so many of you got to meet Benny through your screens and on the campuses across the country. He was my best buddy. I’m so thankful I got to be with him so… pic.twitter.com/yTOgpLODLQ
— Jake Herbstreit (@jake_herbstreit) November 7, 2024
On Thursday night, Kirk Herbstreit called the NFL game between the Ravens and the Bengals. The emotion on his face was present and the sadness in his voice was apparent but he got through the game perfectly. Ben would have been proud of his dad.