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Kirk Herbstreit thanked Lee Corso for “so many lessons” taught across 3 decades working together on the set of ESPN’s College GameDay in a video shared on social media Thursday.
Corso will retire from ESPN in August, the network announced on Thursday. After 38 years as one of the most recognizable faces in college football, Corso will make his final appearance on GameDay on Aug. 30. The network plans to celebrate his career in the days leading up to that show, and Herbstreit figures to factor prominently into that celebration.
As Corso’s career has wound down, Herbstreit has been a staunch proponent of his friend and colleague, and their close friendship has been on full display. Corso comforted Herbstreit on-air shortly after his dog’s passing in what was a touching scene. Herbstreit has defended Corso on social media and said several years ago that Corso “made me feel like I belonged early” on GameDay.
On Thursday, Herbstreit praised Corso’s contributions to ESPN and to college football.
“We’ve had so many great moments on the show, off the show. This is a celebration for everything you did for the sport, for College GameDay. You’re an icon,” Herbstreit said. “You’re a once-in-a-lifetime person, a once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster. It’s been a special, special time for all of us as college football fans to watch you do your thing.”
Corso joined ESPN in 1987. Herbstreit and Corso have been part of the show together since 1996.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
