KIRK Herbstreit broke down in tears live on College GameDay after a tribute to his beloved dog Ben.
The ESPN analyst was left devastated this week when he was forced to put his dog down after his cancer had spread.
Kirk Herbstreit was in tears on ESPN College GameDayESPN
Kirk Herbstreit revealed this week his dog Ben died from cancerAP
And Herbstreit was choked up and couldn’t speak during a segment of Saturday’s College GameDay show.
Host Rece Davis gave the floor to Herbstreit to pay tribute to his furry friend.
But Herbstreit immediately broke down and couldn’t get his words out in a heartbreaking scene.
Davis then intervened and cut to a VT tribute to Ben which Herbstreit narrated.
“When I first started bringing Ben on the road, it was for me,” Herbstreit said.
“I needed a travel companion. Hotel rooms can sometimes feel like islands of solitude.
“His warm presence became my anchor at home, making my journeys feel less like wandering and more like belonging.
“Reaching down and feeling that fur made me feel like I was home.”
The minute-long clip showed Ben on the College GameDay set, in a broadcast booth and on the sideline at games.
“He made everyone happy and he did it without even trying,” the ESPN analyst continued.
“He just wagged that tail and nestled up against strangers like they were family.
“Ben didn’t care who you were, everyone deserved his love.
“This man’s best friend became America’s best friend.”
The crowd gathered at Louisiana State University college campus chanted “we love Ben” during the segment.
And host Davis thanked Herbstreit for “sharing Ben with us,” adding that “he’s been a great teammate of ours.”
Herbstreit shared an emotional message on X after College GameDay, apologizing for his emotions taking over.
He wrote, “I’m sorry I couldn’t properly lead to this beautiful tribute College GameDay put together.
“Really wanted to thank all of you for the avalanche of love and support you’ve shown Ben.
“It gives me and my family such comfort knowing how he impacted so many peoples lives around the country.
“He was a beautiful and loving soul.”
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/12864469/kirk-herbstreit-espn-college-gameday-tears-dog-ben/