Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his 10-year-old golden retriever, Ben, on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Herbstreit said cancer had spread throughout Ben’s organs and that the family had reached the point where there was nothing left to do but let him go.
Ben was well known to college-football fans through his frequent appearances with Herbstreit on ESPN’s College GameDay. He traveled with the broadcaster, appeared at football venues, met mascots and fans, and occasionally showed up in the broadcast booth.
What happened to Kirk Herbstreit’s dog Ben?
Herbstreit said Ben died on November 7, 2024, after a serious cancer battle. In a public announcement reported by The Washington Post, Herbstreit said the cancer had spread throughout the dog’s organs.
Ben had been diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia in March 2024. His condition later worsened sharply. By early November, Herbstreit said Ben had lost the use of his hind legs, could barely walk and had not eaten for three days.
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Ben’s cancer battle
Ben underwent major surgery in July 2024 to remove two cancerous masses from his spleen and intestine. Herbstreit later described Ben’s recovery from the operation as “incredible,” but also said the family was taking his health one week at a time.
The reporting also described chemotherapy and other efforts to care for Ben as his illness progressed. Herbstreit said a holistic doctor was administering a three-day vitamin C IV while Ben was seriously ill. That detail does not establish that the treatment was effective, caused a change in his condition or could have altered the outcome. The available reporting does not provide enough medical information to assess Ben’s treatment or prognosis.
It is also not accurate to describe Ben as cured or in remission after surgery. The published account says that he initially recovered remarkably from the operation but subsequently deteriorated as the cancer spread.
Why Ben became famous among college-football fans
Ben was more than a private family pet to many viewers. He became a recurring presence around Herbstreit’s work, particularly on ESPN’s College GameDay. According to The Washington Post, Ben made his College GameDay debut in November 2021.
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He accompanied Herbstreit to college-football venues, interacted with mascots and fans, and sometimes appeared near the broadcast booth. His calm presence made him recognizable to viewers who followed the show from week to week, even when they were watching for the games and analysis rather than the personalities on the sidelines.
Herbstreit had announced in 2023 that Ben was an emotional-support animal. He also described the dog as an unusually close companion who traveled with him for work and offered comfort during a difficult period for the family. Those comments help explain why Ben’s death prompted such a strong response from fans who had watched him become part of the football-season routine.
Kirk Herbstreit’s tribute to Ben
Herbstreit’s announcement focused on Ben’s companionship and the family’s final period with him rather than on a detailed medical explanation. He portrayed Ben as gentle, dependable and exceptionally close to him.
The news prompted tributes from football fans and organizations. The Washington Post reported that “RIP Ben” was trending on X on November 7, 2024. For viewers who had seen Ben at stadiums and on television, the announcement marked the loss of a familiar figure associated with College GameDay.
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Ben and Peter are different dogs
Later coverage should not be used to suggest that Ben died in 2026. Ben’s death was announced in 2024.
A February 6, 2026 Associated Press Content Services item described Herbstreit appearing at Super Bowl LX Radio Row with another golden retriever named Peter. Peter is not Ben. The available information does not establish that Peter was Ben’s replacement or specify the dogs’ family relationship, so those claims should not be made without separate verification.
Pet-loss and canine-cancer resources
Ben’s story may be especially difficult for people currently caring for an ill dog or grieving a recent loss. Pet loss can be a significant grief experience, and seeking support is a reasonable response—not an overreaction. The SAMHSA pet-loss and grief resource summarizes guidance associated with the American Veterinary Medical Association, including self-care and seeking support from people who understand the bond between humans and animals.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ pet-loss and grief resource page also lists grief resources, support groups and veterinary-school hotlines. Availability, hours and eligibility can change, so readers should confirm details with the original provider and consider their location when choosing a service.
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For a dog who is seriously ill, decisions about hospice, palliative care, quality-of-life support and humane euthanasia should be discussed with a veterinary team. Those decisions are individual and depend on the animal’s symptoms, comfort, diagnosis and the family’s circumstances; a news story about Ben cannot provide treatment or end-of-life advice for another dog.
Supporting canine-cancer research
Readers who want a constructive way to respond to Ben’s story can review the Golden Retriever Foundation. The foundation accepts memorial gifts and supports Golden Retriever health, rescue and education. Its Zeke Cancer Fund is directed toward canine-cancer research. The AKC Canine Health Foundation has also reported joint funding with the Golden Retriever Foundation for research involving cancer in Golden Retrievers and other dogs.
These organizations are resources for readers who choose to give; there is no verified indication that any memorial donation, keepsake or other resource is endorsed by Herbstreit or connected specifically to Ben.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kirk Herbstreit’s dog Ben die?
Kirk Herbstreit announced Ben’s death on November 7, 2024.
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What kind of cancer did Ben have?
The Washington Post reported that Ben was diagnosed with lymphoma and leukemia in March 2024. Herbstreit later said the cancer had spread throughout the dog’s organs.
Was Ben the golden retriever seen with Herbstreit in 2026?
No. A February 2026 Associated Press item referred to another golden retriever named Peter at Super Bowl LX Radio Row. Ben died in 2024.
Where can someone find pet-loss support?
The SAMHSA pet-loss resource and the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ pet-loss and grief resource page provide starting points for grief support. People facing a dog’s illness or end-of-life decisions should also speak with their veterinarian.
The Bottom Line
Ben, Kirk Herbstreit’s beloved 10-year-old golden retriever and familiar College GameDay companion, died on November 7, 2024 after lymphoma and leukemia progressed and cancer spread throughout his organs. Later appearances by Herbstreit with a dog named Peter concern a different golden retriever.
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