Corso, who will turn 90 on August 7, is widely known for his hat choices and his response “not so fast, friend.”
The analyst Lee course will retire from “College GameDay” of ESPN In August, which ends a career in the program that began in 1987.
“My family and I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College Gameday For almost 40 years, “said Corso in a statement published by ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, pleasant memories and some unusual experiences that I will take with retirement.”
Corsowho will turn 90 on August 7, is widely known for his hat choices and his response “not so fast, friend” when he did not agree with someone at the analysis table.
The hats segment, which began in October 1995 in a match against Ohio Statesaw a Corso Accumulate a record of 286-144 in its 430 selections. In addition to wearing helme James Madison y Benjamin Franklin.
His love for the 'oregon duck' took him to a motorcycle ride with the pet. On one occasion, he held a living of Cayman living in his hands while betting on the victory of Florida And he faced the pop star Katy Perry in selections from The Grove at the University of Mississippi.
Corso held number 2 in most segments; In the low season, Corso He was the Director of Commercial Development of Dixon Ticonderogawhich manufactures the famous yellow pencils.
“Lee Corso has forged a special connection with generations of fans thanks to her entertaining style and her iconic head accessories,” said Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN. “Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of university football, and our team of ESPN He will celebrate his legendary career during his last appearance at College Gameday this August. “
Corso's last transmission will be on August 30, he announced ESPN, saying that additional programming is planned to celebrate Corso in the days before that weekend.
Corso suffered a stroke in 2009, which left him speechless for a while, but returned to the show that same year. He has traveled little in recent years, but Corso was present in the national final last year in Atlanta.
“ESPN He has been exceptionally generous with me, especially in recent years, “said Corso.” They attended me and supported me, just like my colleagues in the beginnings of College Gameday. Special thanks to Kirk Herbstreit for their friendship and encouragement. And, not to forget it, fans … It is a real blessing to share this with them. ESPN He gave me this wonderful opportunity and gave me the necessary support to ensure success. I am sincere grateful. “
Autumn dispute y Corso They are part of the show together since 1996.
“The coach Corso has had an iconic trajectory in broadcasting, and we are all lucky to have witnessed it,” Herbstreit said. “It has taught me a lot during the time we have been together, and it has been like a second father for me. It has been an absolute honor for me to have the best stadium seat to see the coach put the head of the pet every week.”
“College GameDay“He has won nine Emmy awards during Corso's trajectory on the program. This year, the program is nominated for the best weekly study program.
“Lee is the artist par excellence, but he was also an extraordinary coach who established links for a lifetime with his players,” said Rece Davis, presenter of “College Gameday” since 2015. “When Gameday visited Indiana last season, the love and emotion that his players transmitted were really moving. Nor was it surprising. Every week, reads as you ask for our families. And the moments, big and small, with all of us on the set.
“Lee has been an indelible force in the growth of the popularity of university football,” he said Chris Fowlerwho presented “Gameday” for 25 years. “He is a born artist and an exceptional television talent. But deep down, he will always be a coach, with unwavering love and respect for sport and his players.”
Corso was a university and professional football coach for 28 years, including 15 years as the main coach in Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois. He played university football in Florida State, where he was known as the “Sunshine Scooter.” He maintained the university record of interceptions for two decades after graduating and also played as a field marshal for the seminols.
