Politics
ESPN’s Lee Corso Issues Sad Announcement
For nearly four decades, Lee Corso’s voice and flair for the theatrical helped shape Saturday mornings for millions of college football fans. Whether it was the trademark pencil behind his ear, his beloved catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend,” or the moment everyone waited for—the headgear pick—Corso has been the heartbeat of ESPN’s College GameDay since the show’s early days.
That chapter will officially come to a close this August.
Corso, who will turn 90 on August 7, announced that he will retire after the upcoming season opener, ending one of the most recognizable broadcasting careers in sports television. His final College GameDay appearance will air August 30, capping off a run that began in 1987.
In a statement shared by ESPN, Corso said, “My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years. I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”
Celebrity guest picker and rapper Uncle Luke puts a bandana on the head of football analyst Lee Corso during ESPN College Game Day prior the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game in Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 2, 2017. (Photo by Sara D. Davis, theACC.com)
Over the years, Corso turned his role into something unique—blending football expertise with showmanship that transcended the sport. His headgear picks became legendary, beginning in 1995 when he donned a Brutus Buckeye head for an Ohio State game. Since then, he’s made 430 picks, with a record of 286-144, dressing up as everything from the Stanford Tree to Benjamin Franklin.
ESPN confirmed the news in a report Thursday, noting that special coverage and programming to honor Corso will air leading up to his farewell broadcast.
Corso’s road hasn’t always been smooth. In 2009, he suffered a stroke that sidelined him temporarily and impacted his speech. In classic Corso fashion, he returned to the broadcast booth later that year, continuing to appear on set—often remotely—as he adjusted to reduced travel in recent seasons. He was even on hand for last year’s national title game in Atlanta.
“ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years,” Corso explained. “They accommodated me and supported me, as did my colleagues in the early days of College GameDay.”
“Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for his friendship and encouragement. And lest I forget, the fans … truly a blessing to share this with them. ESPN gave me this wonderful opportunity and provided me the support to ensure success. I am genuinely grateful.”
Quarterback Dick Shiner, who led the Terps to their 1961 victory against the Nittany Lions, with quarterback coach and current ESPN analyst Lee Corso.
“Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we’re all lucky to have been around to witness it,” Herbstreit said in his own statement. “He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he’s been like a second father to me. It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week.”
A former quarterback and defensive back at Florida State, Corso later coached at Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois, and briefly in the USFL with the Orlando Renegades. Though his overall coaching record was modest, his impact on players and the game was anything but.
Rece Davis, current host of College GameDay, said Corso was more than an entertainer. “Every week, Lee asks about our families. He asks for specifics. He celebrates success and moments, big and small, with all of us on the set. He’s relentless in his encouragement.”
“That’s what a great coach, and friend, does. Lee has made it his life’s work to bring joy to others on the field and on television. He succeeded.”
