Kirk Herbstreit Sends Strong Message to Lee Corso After ESPN Announcement
On Thursday, April 17, ESPN announced legendary college football analyst Lee Corso is retiring from his position on College GameDay after nearly four decades.
"My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years," Corso said in a statement released by ESPN. "I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement."
Following the announcement, longtime on-air partner and friend Kirk Herbstreit took to social media with a message for his beloved mentor.
"Coach, this is Kirk, I just wanted to say I love you. I thank you for so many lessons you taught me...almost 30 years together, I've enjoyed sitting next to you, watching you do your thing. We're 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," Herbstreit said in a video.
Love ya Coach-you’ll be missed more than ya know. Been our honor to be with ya all these years. https://t.co/tQHMn5wjyV pic.twitter.com/XdH0btZx9K
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) April 17, 2025
"You're an icon, you're a once-in-a-lifetime person, once-in-a-lifetime broadcaster and it's been a special, special time for all of us as college football fans to watch you do your thing and celebrate the sport every Saturday in the fall," he continued.
"Having the chance to sit where I've sat since 1996, and to look over and watch you: whether it was the headgear or saying something that nobody else would say...you're brilliant. You and I have a special bond and we always will. I really just wanted to say how much I appreciate you and I love you and enjoyed being your teammate throughout all these years. You've earned this retirement, man. Congratulations, hope you'll still be with us and come around in the fall on Saturdays and take care of yourself. Look forward to seeing you soon. I love you, buddy."
Corso, who will turn 90 years old on August 7, will broadcast his final show during Week 1 of the 2025 college football season.