“Chief of happiness,” Kirk Herbstreit attributes his contentment to his dog, Ben. During the 2023 collegiate football season, Herbstreit began visiting with his golden retriever. He initially accompanied Herbstreit on October 14, 2023, during a Washington vs. Oregon game. However, Herbstreit wasn’t sure if he would bring Ben along at first, but the dog’s charisma won over supporters at a number of college football games. As you can see, he has now expanded his charisma from Penn State to Cincinnati. And today, the 55-year-old is delighted by Penn State fans’ affection for Ben before the Penn State vs. OSU game.

With the description, “Every week schools and their staffs blow me away with their kind gestures towards Ben. So grateful. And this week is INCREDIBLE!” Herbstreit posted a video of the gifts Ben received from Penn State’s players and coach, James Franklin, on his X account on November 1. So appreciative! While going through the goodies Ben received, Kirk said, “Every week, Ben gets stuff and Penn State, it’s gone above and beyond. They make cookies. There’s Ben and me on a field. There’s Benny right here. Then look at this big bed for him…Penn State made him his credential. Very important, pup treat analyst. Oh, my gosh. This is so good. All these toys. You guys got him a football, made him a cake. That is beautiful. Cookies, treats. Thank you, guys. Thank you, Coach. Coach Franklin, I know you involved.”

If you don’t know, Kirk Herbstreit is a graduate of Ohio State, and it’s really admirable that he stood there receiving a present for his loved one, Ben, from Penn State, the opposing team in today’s game. OSU alum Kirk, however, posted on X prior to the OSU vs. Penn State game, saying, “One of my favorite stops on the tour. Hope to see a huge crowd tomorrow celebrating this huge match up!” Therefore, it’s reasonable to conclude that the touching act from Penn State demonstrates two things: first, Ben’s charisma is very real, and second, love has no limits.

Not only that, but we had witnessed a great fan’s passion for Ben before this as well. Kristen, the daughter of Nick Saban, was so enamored with the puppy that she decided to write an entire post about Herbstreit’s pet ahead of the Alabama vs. Georgia game.

Kristen Saban: The fan of Kirk Herbstreit’s dog

Prior to the Bama vs. Dawgs game, tensions were already high. And in that situation, Kristen made the decision to go one step further in a very delicate manner. What initially appeared to be her affection for Kirk’s dog was actually a vicious attack on Bulldogs. Kristen shared some photos she took with the well-known doggo before the game, captioning them, “The only dawg I want to see today.” It was not long before she realized that Ben had been Bama’s fortunate charm. And then, following Crimson’s fantastic 41-34 victory over Georgia, Kristen had the idea to publish a picture of Herbstreit’s dog with the sentimental comment, “Will never get over snuggling with floofy Ben.“

Love for Ben doesn’t stop there. Fans have adored Ben. Al Michaels was the one who first fell in love with Herbstreit’s 10-year-old dog before Kristen. Do you know what? In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Michaels stated, “I’m not an animal person…Kirk brought him last year, and all of a sudden, I found myself in love with that dog,” making his admiration for the furry friend explicit. We hope that fans will continue to show Ben the same affection in the future.