Kirk Herbstreit Opens Up About Calling NFL Game Amid Beloved Dog's Death
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Kirk Herbstreit was in the broadcast booth for Thursday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, but he called the game while dealing with a significant personal loss.
Herbstreit's dog Ben died on Thursday after fighting cancer for several months. He was 10 in human years.
The longtime college football broadcaster shared a heartfelt message on social media Thursday, calling Ben a "majestic soul" and thanking him for the last decade of experiences and memories.
Following Thursday's game, Herbstreit discussed how he felt while dealing with Ben's loss.
"Calling last nights game was very challenging-so fortunate to work with such an extraordinary group of people at @NFLonPrime," Herbstreit said on social media Friday morning.
Calling last nights game was very challenging-so fortunate to work with such an extraordinary group of people at @NFLonPrime -from the pregame show to the game and the people behind the scenes. Thank you for love and kindness to help me get through it. And thank you to the… pic.twitter.com/R0hbEEEDxk
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 8, 2024
"From the pregame show to the game and the people behind the scenes. Thank you for love and kindness to help me get through it. And thank you to the Bengals and Ravens for providing such a compelling game."
Thursday's game was exciting from start to finish, giving Herbstreit the opportunity to direct his attention elsewhere for a few hours.
Some fans praised Herbstreit for being able to focus on football after suffering such a loss.
"If my dog died, I would be inconsolable for days at least. Kirk Herbstreit is in the booth calling TNF not even 24 hours after his dog Ben passed away and he's doing a phenomenal job," said one fan.
"I see the hurt and pain in Kirk Herbstreit's eyes tonight during that TNF pregame intro with him and Al Michaels but I give him all the props and kudos for powering through," said another fan.
"Gotta give Kirk Herbstreit a lot of respect after losing one of his best friends a dog we all loved seeing on TV then to go and Do TNF," one fan added.
Ben was a fixture at college football and NFL stadiums over the last few years, accompanying Herbstreit as he traveled around the country for College GameDay and Thursday Night Football.
Herbstreit will be on the panel for GameDay this week and he'll call the Alabama-LSU game with Chris Fowler on Saturday night.
Related: College Football Fans Praying For Kirk Herbstreit After His Dog's Death
