How do you measure the impact of a life, especially one that isn't human? For Kirk Herbstreit, the ESPN commentator, the answer lies in the profound bond he shared with his golden retriever, Ben, a certified emotional support animal whose battle with cancer ended on November 7, leaving a void not only in Herbstreit's life but also in the hearts of the college football community.

The news of Ben's passing reverberated across social media and the sports world, prompting an outpouring of support for Herbstreit. The beloved dog, a constant companion to Herbstreit, had been fighting cancer for much of the year, a struggle that Herbstreit openly shared with his followers. Ben was more than just a pet; he was a fixture on the sidelines, a comforting presence during Herbstreit's travels, and a symbol of unwavering loyalty. The golden retriever's gentle demeanor and ever-wagging tail had endeared him to countless fans and colleagues.

Kirk Herbstreit: Bio, Career & Personal Life
Full Name	Kirk Edward Herbstreit
Date of Birth	August 19, 1969
Place of Birth	Centerville, Ohio, USA
Age	55 years (as of November 10, 2024)
Nationality	American
Education	Ohio State University (B.A. in Business Administration)
Family	Married to Allison Herbstreit. Four sons: Zak, Tye (twins), Jake, and Chase.
Career Information
Occupation	College Football Analyst, Commentator
Employer	ESPN, Amazon Prime Video
Years Active	1996 Present
Notable Roles	College GameDay Analyst, Thursday Night Football Analyst (Amazon)
Awards & Honors	Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality Studio Analyst (Multiple Wins)
Other Information
Twitter	@KirkHerbstreit
Website	N/A
Reference	ESPN Press Room