NFL and college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a self-described huge Cincinnati Reds fan from Centerville, Ohio, thanked supporters for reaching out about the death of his beloved dog, Ben, before he called the Amazon Prime Video broadcast of Thursday Night Football between the Bengals and the Ravens in Baltimore.

Herbstreit’s beloved golden retriever had become somewhat of a celebrity through frequent appearances on ESPN’s “College GameDay” and in the broadcast booth.

Ben, Kirk Herbstreit’s adorable golden retriever, who has induced countless smiles on so many college campuses over the past two years, has passed away, according to the ESPN “College GameDay” football analyst.