What could be more heartbreaking than watching a companion fight a losing battle? Beloved Ben, Kirk Herbstreit’s loyal golden retriever, had entertained thousands of fans with his ESPN College GameDay appearances. “I just wanted a companion out on the road with me, as much as I travel, and he’s my really good buddy,” Herbstreit said back in January. But in March, Ben was diagnosed with leukemia and as reported, his current health is in critical danger. 

Among all the well-wishers praying for Ben, one stood out. Lane Kiffin’s yellow Labrador retriever, the soon-to-be official mascot of Ole Miss Juice Kiffin, sent a sweet message of support to Kirk Herbstreit’s faithful Ben. Taking to his X platform of nearly 60K followers on November 6, Juice shared Herbstreit’s post on Ben’s health update with a heartwarming caption that reads — “Praying for you Ben 🙏🏻 Sending love from Oxford.”

Ben became a darling in college football ever since he started joining Kirk Herbstreit on road trips in 2023. After his cancer diagnosis, he underwent major surgeries in July and was able to come back for some college football games. But in what is a grim update from Kirk Herbstreit on November 5, “Ben had a 2nd chemo injection on October 23rd and from that day has been getting worse and worse.” As per the update, Ben hasn’t eaten in three days and is almost paralyzed in the hind legs, losing the ability to walk. 

If he’s sick, why take him out on the road, they ask. But Herbstreit feels like being around people must be what Ben would’ve wanted, as he said, “It’s because it feeds his soul to be out on the road with people and interacting and meeting people. His tail is constantly wagging and just goes up. So I think how interactive he is.” They’re currently in Pennsylvania for a “3 day Vitamin C IV” for Ben, a grim situation where “the next 24-48 hours will tell us if he has a chance or not.” Ben’s life-threatening situation has stirred college football after all the good times he gave to fans. 

Kirk Herbstreit’s pet is a sweetheart in college football

On November 2, Penn State made a sweet gesture to Ben despite his absence in the top-5 matchup at State College. The Nittany Lions sent a gift hamper to their furry companion containing a bed, treats, and toys. The 10-year-old has even been meeting new dogs. He met Texas A&M’s mascot Reveille X during his attendance at the top-15 matchup between Texas A&M and LSU in College Station. 

Starting from the September 1 game between USC and LSU in Las Vegas, Ben made nine College GameDay appearances, bringing joy to people around him with his good-boy nature. Not only is Ben a good boy to Herbstreit, but he also holds a special place in the hearts of so many college football fans with his adorable antics. Our prayers are with Ben during these hard times!