Does ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit Have A Service Dog?

Does Kirk Herbstreit have a service dog? The ESPN analyst stole viewers' hearts when he strode into the College Football Playoff National Championship game with his furry travel companion.

Meet Ben Herbstreit, the 10-year-old golden retriever who always travels with his owner to games.

Does ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit Have a Service Dog?

When Herbstreit travels to the biggest college football and National Football League games, his dog Ben is never far from the sidelines.

X (formerly Twitter) followers of Herbstreit would know how often he brings and posts about Ben on his social media pages. Additionally, Ben always seems well-behaved, calm, and composed even in the chaos of the playing field.

So, does this mean Ben is Kirk Herbstreit's service dog? No, not exactly.

While golden retrievers are usually sought out as service dogs for being great with people, Herbstreit describes his dog, Ben, as more of his "companion on the road."

As his dog went viral online, Herbstreit shared that Ben is his "really good buddy". But the question on some fans' minds remains, why does Kirk Herbstreit travel with his dog to NFL games?

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Why Kirk Herbstreit Regularly Travels with His Dog

Ben became Herbstreit's regular travel companion in the 2023 season after his son, Zak, who is a tight-end for Ohio State, was hospitalized for a heart condition.

While Zak is currently receiving treatment and has returned to the team, Ben still joins his owner as a certified emotional support animal during this difficult time for the family.

Herbstreit himself has commented on how "infectiously happy" Ben is, enough to earn him the title of first Chief of Happiness Officer at the Rose Bowl this year:

"That's what they dubbed him," Herbstreit explained. "You know, I didn't bring him out here for this, but I've really enjoyed watching people watching him and a smile comes on their face because he's just a happy dog. I think that part of him we've appreciated as a family at our house."

Kirk Herbstreit Has Four Dogs Under His Care

In the same TikTok interview, Hebstreit happened to mention that he actually has four dogs at home: "I've four goldens, but there's just something different about [Ben]. I'm just happy that people love his happiness, you know, and it makes them have a better day."

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Where Will We See Kirk Herbstreit Next?

Long-time ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has recently wrapped up his thoughts on Michigan winning the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, after serving as commentator for Michigan's Rose Bowl win in Alabama.

By the end of the National Championship, Herbstreit didn't hesitate to admit that Ben is becoming "bigger" than him – even thought the ESPN analyst is considered the face of the sport. "I am loving it," he added. "I'm just here to hold the leash."

Herbstreit mentioned that Ben could soon become an international mascot once they fly off to Cabo next, though he has yet to disclose what they plan on doing there.

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