“Would die for Ben tbh”: Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen Saban expresses love for Kirk Herbstreit’s furry friend

Kirk Herbstreit’s dog, Ben, is a fan favorite both in the NFL and college football world. The golden retriever regularly accompanies the popular sportscaster on his trips for “College GameDay” and “Thursday Night Football,” becoming a core part of his personal and work life.

Ben once again received a lot of love from fans this weekend as Kirk Herbstreit took to Tuscaloosa for College GameDay. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Herbstreit shared a couple of moments he had with the dog this weekend, especially at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Nick Saban's daughter, Kristen Saban, was one of the countless fans who was in love with Ben in Tuscaloosa. Kristen, a die-hard fan of Alabama, replied to Herbstreit's post in the comment section, expressing her admiration for the golden retriever.

“Would die for Ben tbh,” Kristen Saban wrote.

Kristen Saban's Instagram comment

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Kirk Herbstreit gives an update on Ben’s health

While Ben is back with Kirk Herbstreit on his trips to cover college football and NFL games, the offseason was pretty difficult for the golden retriever. Herbstreit gave an update on Ben's wellbeing after the dog battled serious health issues during the offseason, which required surgery.

“(Ben) was diagnosed with leukemia in March and had major surgery in late July to remove 2 masses on his spleen and intestine. Both cancerous,” Herbstreit wrote on X. “Been a challenging offseason for Ben but he has had an incredible recovery in the last few weeks.”

“Just so thankful he’s feeling better and able to travel with me. Honestly, I think being out and seeing people on the road really helps his spirit and gives him something to look forward to.”

Ben stole the show ahead of the Week 1 game between LSU and USC. The golden retriever found its way to the middle of Herbstreit and Rece Davis during the live broadcast ahead of the game in Las Vegas, delighting viewers.

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Ben is a friend like no other to Kirk Herbstreit

For Kirk Herbstreit, Ben’s companionship is comparable to none. He's owned the dog for the entire 10 years of its life so far, and it has become a close friend to him and his household.

“Just having him come out with me is the best companion you can hope for. He’s super chill and welcoming,” Herbstreit said of what the companionship with Ben looked like in December 2023.

“What’s cool is taking him to the games. Both production groups have got to know him. He’s really become part of the team. If I don’t bring him to the meetings people ask.”

With its continuous trips across the country with Herbstreit, Ben has commanded a lot of love from millions of football fans all over the United States.