ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit is standing up for his golden retrievers.
A social media user responded to one of the college football announcer’s tweets to complain about his dog on Sunday, March 22. Herbstreit, 56, has four golden retrievers: Peter, Mitch, Theo and Beau. During college football season, Herbstreit frequently travels with Peter by his side as he commentates on the games.
“Your dog is annoying,” the troll wrote via X.
Herbstreit subsequently clapped back, “Thanks for the kind note. Have a great week!”
Several fans had Herbstreit and his pups’ backs as they came to their defense.
“Your dog is the greatest. People who don’t like Peter can kick rocks,” one user replied, while another responded, “Correction- your dog is magnificent.”
Herbstreit’s ESPN colleague Dan Orlovsky added, “He’s a good pup.”
Herbstreit has always brought a pooch along during football season since 2023. He began the tradition with his service dog, Ben, until Ben died at age 10 in November 2024 following a battle with cancer.
“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know. We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go,” Herbstreit wrote via X at the time. “I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag.”
The sports broadcaster continued, “He and I could communicate … he and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion. Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing. Love you Ben. 🙏🏼.”
After Ben’s death, Herbstreit chose Peter as his new game-day companion. Peter joined Herbstreit for his first event in December 2024.
“Pete at Sofi for TNF,” he captioned a photo of Peter wearing a media badge while sitting on the field at a Los Angeles Chargers game. “First NFL field appearance for the kid.”
Peter has been by Herbstreit’s side since. Herbstreit has documented their journey on social media as they have tackled the football field, taken on the broadcasting booth and more. Several teams have given Peter a warm welcome to their respective stadiums as he’s been given custom jerseys, balls and more.
