One of the biggest names in college and professional football has revealed a moving personal letter he recently received from President Joe Biden.
Kirk Herbstreit, who calls NFL games for Amazon Prime and the NCAA for ESPN, said he was “truly honored” by Biden’s personal message last month after the 55-year-old announcer lost his dog Ben.
The former Ohio State quarterback posted the letter, which Biden addressed to “Kirk Herbstreit” from “Cincinnati, Ohio.”
“Dear Kirk,” the typewritten letter began. “I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Ben.”
For non-football fans, the golden retriever gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to matches and even appearing on set and on the sidelines.
Sadly, Ben recently passed away at the age of 10 after a battle with cancer.
Kirk Herbstreit’s late dog Ben died at the age of 10 after a battle with cancer
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, left, poses with his younger dog Peter before the start of a recent game
Herbstreit said he was “truly honored” by Biden’s personal message
“Ben brought so much comfort and unconditional love to millions of Americans across our country,” the letter continued. “On your most joyful moments and saddest days, he was there, sensitive to every unspoken feeling and every void.”
Biden, himself a noted dog lover, appeared to reference the death of his German Shepherd Champ, who died shortly after his inauguration at the age of 12.
“I know what it’s like to lose a beloved pet, and I hope you can find some comfort in cherishing the wonderful memories you shared with Ben.” He was a good boy.’
The letter ended: “Sincerely, Joe Biden.”
Herbstreit is an outspoken Christian, but has not really joined any political party. He spoke out against police brutality against African Americans and criticized the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
But whatever his political beliefs, Herbstreit was nonetheless honored to receive such a letter from the president.
“Politics aside – REALLY honored to receive this personal note from @POTUS expressing his appreciation and condolences for the loss of our beloved Ben,” Herbstreit wrote on X.
Many followers agreed with Herbstreit’s response.
“I don’t care who the POTUS is, getting a letter is something the majority will never get. Frame it!’ wrote one follower. ‘Very cool.’
“Ben was truly America’s good boy,” another added.
Some were quick to claim that Biden did not actually write the typed letter, which does contain his signature, but the majority of responses were largely positive.
Many were quick to claim that Biden did not actually write the typed letter, which he did sign
Herbstreit’s followers largely refrained from political responses and instead focused on Ben
Although new to calling NFL games, Herbstreit has been a fixture on the college side for decades as the counterpart to former Indiana head coach Lee Corse on ESPN’s College GameDay.
His willingness to take Ben on the road endeared Herbstreit to fans, many of whom reached out to express their condolences following the golden retriever’s passing.
‘It’s crazy, isn’t it. It was fun. He’s so welcoming to people because it’s been great,” Herbstreit told the Associated Press last December.
“Just the fact that he comes out with me is the best companion you could hope for. He is super chill and welcoming,” Herbstreit continued. “What’s cool is taking him to the Games. Both production groups got to know him. He has really become part of the team. If I don’t bring him to the meetings, people wonder.
“Just to have him in the hotel room. I can do my (analyst) boards and he’s right next to me. It’s his personality that makes me appreciate who he is,” Herbstreit said. “He’s a partner. He made a night and day difference for me while I was on the road.”
On Saturday, before College GameDay went live from Athens ahead of the showdown between No. 7 Tennessee and No. 12 Georgia, Herbstreit’s other dog, Peter, enjoyed a walk on set.
In a video posted to Herbstreit’s X account, the golden retriever mingled with Pat McAfee and the crew at the broadcast desk. McAfee also barks at Peter, causing the dog to wag its tail excitedly.
‘Look at this guy!!! He feels right at home,” Herbstreit captioned with laughing emojis.
After Ben’s death, Peter did a test drive to see if the puppy was ready to go out with Herbstreit for the rest of the season.
The Herbstreit family welcomed Peter in December, with Kirk calling him “Ben’s little brother” in a social media post.
“Many of you have been asking about Ben’s new ‘little brother,’” he wrote a photo of a young Pete. ‘Here he is, Peter, 9 weeks old. Ben is slowly warming up to him.’