Cleveland Browns pay tribute to Ben in touching gift for Kirk Herbstreit ahead of TNF
The Cleveland Browns gifted Kirk Herbstreit a heart-warming present ahead of their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Herbstreit was gifted a basket of treats for his puppies at home, as well as a painting of Herbstreit with his late Golden Retriever, Ben.
Ben became a fan favorite as he traveled almost everywhere with Herbstreit during his assignments during the 2024 college football and NFL seasons. He died earlier this month after battling cancer.
Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March, and had been receiving the royal treatment of sorts at each of Herbstreit’s stops, whether that be in the NFL or College GameDay. It was clear that he had become a fan favorite along the way when he was delcared ESPN’s ‘Chief Happiness Officer.’ That title was represented in the painting of Kirk Herbstreit and Ben.
Before the 2024 football season, Herbstreit revealed that Ben underwent “major surgery’ in late July to remove two different masses on his spleen and intestine. Both of which were cancerous. Herbstreit added that he believes having Ben out on the road for as long as he did this season lifted his 10-year-old puppy’s spirits and gave him something to look forward to each week.
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Ben’s passing was not unexpected, as he shared that Ben had underwent intensive medical treatment in the days before his passing. He asked followers and fans of the pup to share their prayers and well wishes.
“One of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life,” Herbstreit said on social media. “Ben is my best friend and companion. I love him with all of my heart. If you’re a spiritual person I’d love for you to pray for my boy. He’s currently in an ER hospital overnight and I’m picking him up tomorrow for another round of Vitamin C. Please pray for Ben and hope he pulls out of it.”
And while Ben might’ve left this earth physically, college football fans — and the Herbstreit family, certainly — will hold the beloved retriever in their hearts.