Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kirk Herbstreit's Dog, Peter, Stole The Spotlight During Saturday's College GameDay

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 12:53 PM ET

After losing longtime travel companion Ben to a battle with cancer, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit announced that he'd start taking his younger Golden Retriever to every episode of "College GameDay."

Well, it hasn't taken long for fans to fall in love with Herbstreit's latest travel buddy, Peter. Not only does Peter strut around the set of "College GameDay" with confidence, he knows how to add another layer of drama to certain segments. For example, he legitimately iced the student participating in Pat McAfee's kicking contest this weekend.

Peter wanted to play with Herbstreit while he was holding the football for the kicker. McAfee couldn't help but laugh at the situation.

"Geez, Peter. You're icing this kick," McAfee jokingly yelled.

Herbstreit replied, "He's coming in to block it if you don't hurry."

It was a pretty adorable moment for those watching at home.

Peter iced the kicker @KirkHerbstreit | @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/nXi7V1JX3s
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 23, 2024

Following in the paw prints of Ben can't be easy, but Peter is doing a great job.

Most importantly, it's nice to see Herbstreit have a smile on his face again.

ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 16: ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit with his dog Peter prior to a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

A few weeks ago, Herbstreit delivered a heartfelt statement about Ben and what he meant to the college football community.

"Ben didn't care who you were. Everyone deserved his love. I think we can all learn from that at a time where everything seems to be aimed at dividing us," Herbstreit said. "What I experienced with Ben was that and so much. Dogs only flaws as species is they don't live long enough, but the warmth they give us never goes away, so neither will Ben."

Hopefully, Peter continues bringing warmth to the "College GameDay" set every Saturday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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