Lee Corso comforts emotional Kirk Herbstreit talking about beloved dog Ben

Lee Corso has leaned on Kirk Herbstreit in recent years.

The pair have spent over two decades together on College GameDay. Corso, 89, has reduced his time on the GameDay stage in recent years. When talking about the games, Corso is often helped by Herbstreit to make sure his point gets across properly.

On Saturday, it was Corso who was there for Herbstreit. It has been a challenging week for Herbstreit, who recently had to say final goodbyes to his beloved dog, Ben.

Herbstreit narrated a touching video essay on Ben, who traveled with the football commentator to college and pro football games around the country, for Saturday’s GameDay. Talking about Ben live during the show was understandably difficult for Herbstreit. When Herbstreit was choked up, it was Corso who offered some support for his grieving colleague and close friend.

Corso comforting Herbie before the Ben tribute. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BQ5ZsW0Fui

— Adam Spencer (@AdamSpencer4) November 9, 2024

Herbstreit, 55, has referred to Corso as a father figure. Corso has been a GameDay mainstay and took a young Herbstreit under his wing when the former Ohio State quarterback joined the traveling pregame show in 1996.

Herbstreit’s special bonds with Corso and Ben have brought smiles to many fans over the past few seasons of GameDay.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.