“He’s My Best Friend. Love Him Like A family Member—Because He Is.”
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ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit is rarely seen without his loyal golden retriever, Ben, by his side. The two are inseparable, whether it's on the sidelines of major football games or in the broadcasting booth. But recently, Herbstreit found himself defending his beloved pet from a wave of unwarranted online criticism.
A Bond Beyond the Booth
Kirk Herbstreit’s connection with Ben is much deeper than just that of a pet owner and his dog. Ben is more than a companion; he’s an essential part of Herbstreit’s life. This special bond was on full display recently when Ben made an unexpected appearance during the ABC broadcast of the USC-LSU game. As Herbstreit and Rece Davis began their intros, Ben wandered into the booth, prompting a lighthearted exchange.
“Oh, Ben’s down here, sorry about that,” said Herbstreit with a laugh as the 10-year-old golden retriever casually strolled in.
“Ben’s making sure we get it all right,” Davis joked, highlighting the camaraderie between the hosts and Ben's unmistakable charm.
It’s not the first time Ben has made an appearance in the broadcasting booth. Last season, he joined Herbstreit and Al Michaels during a Thursday Night Football game on Prime Video, delighting viewers with his calm and friendly demeanor. Ben’s presence has become somewhat of a comforting and joyful addition to the high-energy environment of live sports broadcasting.
The Backlash: Critics Take Aim at Ben
While many fans adore Ben’s cameos, not everyone shares the same sentiment. A vocal minority took to social media, notably on X (formerly Twitter), to express their displeasure with Ben’s appearances, sending negative comments directly to Herbstreit. It’s a puzzling backlash considering the general love people have for dogs, especially during lighthearted moments on live television.
Herbstreit, who has grown increasingly outspoken in recent years, was quick to fire back at these critics. “He’s my best friend. Love him like a family member—because he is,” Herbstreit declared. He then directly addressed the naysayers, calling them “morons” for their unwarranted negativity towards a dog who simply enjoys being with his human. Herbstreit’s response struck a chord with many who saw the criticism as mean-spirited and unnecessary.
A Podcast Partnership: Walks with Ben
The special connection between Herbstreit and Ben doesn’t end with sports broadcasts. The two have even launched a podcast together called Walks with Ben, where Herbstreit interviews notable sports figures while taking Ben for a walk. The podcast has been well-received, not just because of the unique concept but also due to Ben’s calming presence, which adds an extra layer of charm to the conversations.
Listeners have embraced the podcast, sharing their love for the heartwarming moments when Ben inevitably steals the show. It’s clear that Ben is not just a sidekick; he’s a cherished member of the Herbstreit family, and this extends into every aspect of Kirk’s professional and personal life.
An Outpouring of Support
Despite the negative comments, the overwhelming response to Ben’s appearances has been positive. Fans frequently send Herbstreit messages of support and express their love for Ben, especially now that the golden retriever is battling leukemia. Herbstreit has been candid about Ben’s health struggles, which has only deepened the connection between the duo and their audience.
Kirk’s protective nature over Ben is understandable. For many, pets are family, and Ben is no different. Whether it’s walking alongside Herbstreit before a major game or appearing on the Walks with Ben podcast, Ben continues to be a beacon of positivity and joy.
Conclusion
Kirk Herbstreit’s bond with his golden retriever Ben is a reminder of the simple joys that pets bring into our lives. Despite the naysayers, the duo's connection is a beautiful example of unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. As Herbstreit continues to share moments with Ben, it’s clear that his four-legged friend isn’t just a pet—he’s a beloved family member who deserves to be celebrated, both on and off the screen.
For those who find fault with a dog’s joyful presence, maybe it's time to take Herbstreit’s advice: go touch some grass—and hopefully, it’s a spot where Ben peed.
Source: Awful Announcing
Social Media Hashtags: #KirkHerbstreit #GoldenRetriever #WalksWithBen #CollegeFootball
A Bond Beyond the Booth
Kirk Herbstreit’s connection with Ben is much deeper than just that of a pet owner and his dog. Ben is more than a companion; he’s an essential part of Herbstreit’s life. This special bond was on full display recently when Ben made an unexpected appearance during the ABC broadcast of the USC-LSU game. As Herbstreit and Rece Davis began their intros, Ben wandered into the booth, prompting a lighthearted exchange.
“Oh, Ben’s down here, sorry about that,” said Herbstreit with a laugh as the 10-year-old golden retriever casually strolled in.
“Ben’s making sure we get it all right,” Davis joked, highlighting the camaraderie between the hosts and Ben's unmistakable charm.
It’s not the first time Ben has made an appearance in the broadcasting booth. Last season, he joined Herbstreit and Al Michaels during a Thursday Night Football game on Prime Video, delighting viewers with his calm and friendly demeanor. Ben’s presence has become somewhat of a comforting and joyful addition to the high-energy environment of live sports broadcasting.
The Backlash: Critics Take Aim at Ben
While many fans adore Ben’s cameos, not everyone shares the same sentiment. A vocal minority took to social media, notably on X (formerly Twitter), to express their displeasure with Ben’s appearances, sending negative comments directly to Herbstreit. It’s a puzzling backlash considering the general love people have for dogs, especially during lighthearted moments on live television.
Herbstreit, who has grown increasingly outspoken in recent years, was quick to fire back at these critics. “He’s my best friend. Love him like a family member—because he is,” Herbstreit declared. He then directly addressed the naysayers, calling them “morons” for their unwarranted negativity towards a dog who simply enjoys being with his human. Herbstreit’s response struck a chord with many who saw the criticism as mean-spirited and unnecessary.
A Podcast Partnership: Walks with Ben
The special connection between Herbstreit and Ben doesn’t end with sports broadcasts. The two have even launched a podcast together called Walks with Ben, where Herbstreit interviews notable sports figures while taking Ben for a walk. The podcast has been well-received, not just because of the unique concept but also due to Ben’s calming presence, which adds an extra layer of charm to the conversations.
Listeners have embraced the podcast, sharing their love for the heartwarming moments when Ben inevitably steals the show. It’s clear that Ben is not just a sidekick; he’s a cherished member of the Herbstreit family, and this extends into every aspect of Kirk’s professional and personal life.
An Outpouring of Support
Despite the negative comments, the overwhelming response to Ben’s appearances has been positive. Fans frequently send Herbstreit messages of support and express their love for Ben, especially now that the golden retriever is battling leukemia. Herbstreit has been candid about Ben’s health struggles, which has only deepened the connection between the duo and their audience.
Kirk’s protective nature over Ben is understandable. For many, pets are family, and Ben is no different. Whether it’s walking alongside Herbstreit before a major game or appearing on the Walks with Ben podcast, Ben continues to be a beacon of positivity and joy.
Conclusion
Kirk Herbstreit’s bond with his golden retriever Ben is a reminder of the simple joys that pets bring into our lives. Despite the naysayers, the duo's connection is a beautiful example of unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. As Herbstreit continues to share moments with Ben, it’s clear that his four-legged friend isn’t just a pet—he’s a beloved family member who deserves to be celebrated, both on and off the screen.
For those who find fault with a dog’s joyful presence, maybe it's time to take Herbstreit’s advice: go touch some grass—and hopefully, it’s a spot where Ben peed.
Source: Awful Announcing
Photo Credit: ABC
Social Media Hashtags: #KirkHerbstreit #GoldenRetriever #WalksWithBen #CollegeFootball
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