Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, died at the age of 10.

Ben was a golden retriever who gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and on the sidelines.

Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, posted on X that the cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and “there was nothing more we could do – we had to let him go.”

The 55-year-old former Ohio State quarterback said he’s had dogs all his life, but “Ben was 1 on 1.”

Ben last traveled to Bloomington, Indiana, for the Hoosiers’ game against Washington on October 26. His friendliness and cheerfulness made him a favorite with players, coaches and fans, and condolences poured in online.

Herbstreit told The Associated Press last year that Ben provided a piece of home along the way.

“Just the fact that he comes out with me is the best companion you could hope for. He is super chill and welcoming,” Herbstreit said before an NFL game in Las Vegas last December. “What’s cool is taking him to the Games. Both production groups got to know him. He has really become part of the team. If I don’t take him to the meetings, people wonder.”

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