Kirk Herbstreit’s companions off the field have always had four legs and wagging tails! One of the busiest men of college football broadcasting, Herbstreit finds peace in the simplest of joys, unwinding his dogs or seeing them unwind in a wide meadow. But beyond the jot, there’s been heartbreak. Ben Herbstreit, that one, jolly, golden retriever that melted the hearts of the college football fans, is no more. Kirk shared the soul-shattering news on his X back in November last year. After a rigorous battle with the cancer, the little one succumbed to death. But Kirk’s love for the fur babies has endured.
Those who cherish pets might easily relate to the 55-year-old analyst’s mindset. “Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse.” Kirk explained the gut-wrenching days he has spent praying and fighting for his little one. “He has lost use of his back legs-almost like they’re paralyzed. He can barely walk. He hasn’t eaten in 3 days.” Herbstreit kept fans updated about Ben’s struggle when they were in Pennsylvania seeking treatment from a holistic doctor. Unfortunately, all efforts went in vain.
Kirk has said that the one with a ‘big smile and a soft tail wag’ hit him differently. Indeed, Ben was the most special to his dad, but so is Peter, and most of late, Beau. Ben, the departed 10-year-old, had been the regular visitor to the college football games across the stadiums. Now Ben’s brother Peter is keeping up with the tradition. Peter is Kirk’s favorite travel buddy on the road. Now, his brother, Beau, the five-month-old old is catching all the attention on social media.
Just a few days back, the controversial commentator of the CFB introduced his newest dog in the house, Beau, to the world. He posted an adorable video of the pup playing and wrestling with Peter. “Looks like he’s gonna be a monster”, the dad mentioned casually of his fourth boy. But his recent update of Beau has self-declared the claim.
Little man growin up too fast! pic.twitter.com/4M5jxDY8pa
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 25, 2025
He’s just a sweet, small, gentle man craving some sun, some green, and a lot of love. Fans poured all their love for the analyst’s favorite pastime at home.
College football fans are in awe of Kirk Herbstreit’s newest love
Herbstreit has always had a complicated relationship with the college football fan base. Sure, he’s a veteran athlete, a seasoned commentator, and a crazy yet wise football freak by his resume. But historically speaking, Kirk had his share of ugly experiences with fans. Be it the blame of being an Ohio State mouthpiece while hosting a game with Notre Dame or hosting a live session on the drive, Kirk rarely finds himself on the good side of his fan base.
But, a pup, ‘the pups’, rather, are the ones who can change every narrative about their beloved master. Kirk, the dog messiah, is the one that fans adore a lot. As soon as Herbstreit posted the 24-second clip of Beau on his X, fans started to flock to the comments to express their raw affection for the four-legged. “Looks like he’s sunbathing,” one fan wrote.
“Beau looking so handsome !! I was just thinking about the pups today. Thanks for sharing. Hope all the boys are getting along well,” another one wrote. Well, currently, Kirk has been the proud father of four well-behaved boys, Peter, Beau, Theo, and Mitch. A happy family of five! Beau is currently trying to get himself accustomed to the family and his brothers.
After all, he carries the Herbstreit last name! While the boy was just busy panting amidst the grass on a lazy Saturday afternoon, one man spotted an attitude problem! “He has a tremendous attitude,” he wrote. But guess what, he’s way too handsome to care. The ‘handsome little fella‘ didn’t seem to be bothered by the outside world at all.
Still, even as Beau wins over hearts, many fans can’t help but think of Ben. “Why do I keep getting Ben vibes from him?” one fan might have made Kirk fight his tears even for a moment.
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