ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his dog, Ben, who both NFL and college football fans have become familiar with during several appearances, died at the age of 10.

“This is really hard to write, but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben and I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit wrote. “Today we found out that the cancer had spread to Ben’s organs and there was nothing we could do; we had to let him go. I’ve had dogs all my life, but Ben was 1 to 1. He was smart, loving and gentle. -patient -inquisitive-and welcoming to all.

“Always a big smile and a gentle wagging tail. He and I could communicate…he and I understood each other and supported each other. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. He is such a calm person .Tough day, but he will live within us all forever. God bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years.

Herbstreit revealed in September that Ben was diagnosed with leukemia in March and underwent surgery in July to remove cancerous masses in his spleen and intestine. While he said it was a “challenging offseason for Ben,” he also highlighted the “incredible recovery.”

Ben recovered enough to travel with Herbstreit to several games this season.

However, the station provided a update He said Monday that Ben underwent a second chemotherapy injection in October and was “getting worse and worse” as he lost the use of his back legs and “could barely walk.”

While Ben will no longer appear on football fields or inside broadcast booths, he will surely be fondly remembered by fans who became familiar with his story in recent years.