Kirk Herbstreit, chief analyst on ESPN’s “Faculty GameDay” and cohost of the NFL’s “Thursday Evening Soccer,” introduced the dying of his golden retriever Ben, a service canine whose appearances at soccer stadiums in recent times made him a beloved four-legged pal to the sports activities world.
Ben was identified with leukemia and lymphoma in March and died on Thursday after the most cancers unfold all through his organs, Herbstreit stated on X. He was 10 human years-old.
“I’ve had canines my entire life however Ben was 1 (of) 1,” Herbstreit stated. “He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. At all times an enormous smile and a comfortable tail wag.”
Ben had surgical procedure in late July to take away two cancerous lots on his spleen and gut, Herbstreit stated on X in September. He stated whereas it had been a “difficult offseason for Ben,” the canine had an “unbelievable restoration” in weeks following his surgical procedure.
“Simply so grateful he’s feeling higher and capable of journey with me,” Herbstreit stated on X on the time. “Actually I feel being out and seeing folks on the street actually helps his spirit and provides him one thing to sit up for.”
On Oct. 23, Ben had a second chemo injection however weakened afterward, shedding the useage of his again legs, Herbstreit wrote on X on Monday. Herbstreit took him to a holistic physician, the place he was given a three-day Vitamin C IV that might hopefully “flush the toxics from his physique and provides him an opportunity.”
Sadly, it did not and Herbstreit needed to “let him go.”
“I’m so grateful for ALL the love so many have proven him during the last couple years. One of many hardest issues I’ve gone via in my life,” Herbstreit wrote on X on Monday. “Ben is my finest pal and companion. I really like him with all of my coronary heart.”
Ben earned a number of NFL and faculty soccer credentials this season after his broadcast-crashing antics. The Atlanta Falcons credentialed Ben the “Vast Retriever” for a Week 5 “Thursday Evening Soccer” sport, whereas the Miami Dolphins titled him the “Chief Happiness Officer of Soccer” in Week 2.
Penn State gathered some goodies for Ben and referred to as him a “Deal with Analyst” simply final week, forward of the Penn State-Ohio State sport.
Ben was even current for one of many first matchups of the 2024 faculty soccer season on the ESPN pregame broadcast of the LSU-USC sport in Las Vegas. Whereas Herbstreit and his co-analyst Rece Davis spoke, Ben wagged his tail excitedly between them, ready to be pet. As one viewer commented, “He did not even want a sq.. Ben’s a professional.”
Final 12 months, Herbstreit revealed that Ben may add “licensed emotional service animal” to his record of accolades.
“God please bless his majestic soul and thanks for placing him in my life for the final 10 years — a real blessing,” Herbstreit wrote.
