Even in a sport where the seemingly innocuous can take on a life of its own, Kirk Herbstreit's dog Ben stood out.
The golden retriever and certified emotional support animal became a fixture on ESPN college football telecasts over the past two years, traveling with Herbstreit from destination to destination across the country. He would hang out on the field during warm-ups; players and fans would approach to pet him. Few non-mascot dogs have been as beloved in the sport.
