The wait is finally over for football fans: the NFL is back on Prime Video, and the dynamic duo of Kirk Herbstreit and his loyal golden retriever, Peter, are hitting the road for what promises to be an unforgettable season. On Wednesday, Herbstreit took to X to share a video of the pair arriving at an air strip, ready to fly out to Cleveland for Thursday night's season opener between the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns.
"Here we go! Peter and I hitting the road for our first game of the year for @NFLonPrime," Herbstreit wrote, capturing the excitement of the moment. A few hours later, he posted a photo of Peter soaking in the sights and sounds of Cleveland, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
The internet, as always, had plenty to say about Peter's star turn. One fan joked, "How is it fair that Peter gets to fly in a private jet while other dogs are stuck in commercial coach? Golden Retriever Privilege! Kidding of course." Another chimed in, "I hope Peter has been conditioning. He's got a marathon of good boys/pets and smiles that await!!!!" A third pleaded, "Hope we see Peter on more TNF broadcasts. He's all over Gameday, but rarely seen on TNF. #FreePeter." The love for Peter was overwhelming, with fans declaring, "My dogssss are so back" and "It's Peter season."
This year, Herbstreit and Peter will be busier than ever. Prime Video is set to broadcast 16 regular-season NFL games, plus a Wild Card playoff matchup, meaning plenty of travel for the pair. And that's not even counting Herbstreit's duties on ESPN's College GameDay, which last year produced 21 shows (not including the 2026 NFL Draft). This season promises a similar workload, keeping the duo on the move from August through January.
While some critics have grumbled about seeing Peter's antics on screen too often, Herbstreit's supporters argue that after all the miles and long hours, a little canine companionship is well-deserved. The bond between Kirk and Peter has become a beloved part of the broadcast, offering a lighthearted moment in the midst of intense football action.
As the NFL season gets underway, fans are eager to see how the new playoff format shakes out, especially with the Pro Bowl's recent demise changing the league's landscape. But for now, all eyes are on Thursday night, where Herbstreit and Peter will be calling the action from Cleveland.
Herbstreit's busy schedule also includes his ongoing analysis on College GameDay, where he has been vocal about the shifting power dynamics in college football. He recently discussed how the Big Ten's financial advantages are leaving the SEC struggling to keep up, a topic that continues to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the grind, Herbstreit seems to thrive on the chaos, and having Peter by his side makes it all the more enjoyable. As the season unfolds, expect plenty more heartwarming moments from the duo, both on and off the field.
So buckle up, football fans. The 2026 season is officially underway, and with Kirk and Peter leading the way, it's sure to be a wild ride.
