ESPN's Bold Move with Lee Corso Sparks Industry-Wide Debate

As Lee Corso prepares to sign off for the final time from “College GameDay,” the echoes of “Not so fast, my friend” will resonate not just through the fervor of college football fans but also in the annals of sports broadcasting history. Here’s a thought to ponder: in an era where the relentless pursuit of youth and polish often overshadows authenticity, does allowing a beloved personality like Corso to fade out on their terms echo a nostalgic nod to a time when idiosyncrasies were not just tolerated but celebrated? LEARN MORE

ESPN analyst Lee Corso will officially end his run on “College GameDay” on Aug. 30. It’s currently unclear where his final show will take place. 

Corso has carved out an incredible career for himself on “College GameDay” due to headgear picks and hilarious sayings. Make no mistake about it, there’ll come a time next season where fans miss hearing, “Not so fast, my friend.” That being said, he felt like now was the right time for him to retire and spend more time with his family. 

“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. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”

On Thursday, countless media members and college football fans praised for ESPN for allowing Corso to retire on his own terms. 

“In an industry where crisp delivery is considered vital and polish is prized, ESPN made a remarkable concession to Corso. The network let him be who he is after the stroke, and pretty much everyone was happy to see him still on the air. His presence was comforting to the masses,” Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated wrote. “He didn’t have to be perfect; he didn’t have to dominate the set; he didn’t have to be as madcap as he used to be. He was afforded some grace.”

“First the care and compassion that @KirkHerbstreit showed on air for coach was a model to all,” a fan tweeted. “Also, ESPN letting LC do what he loved and wanted, despite his limitations, was a model for all.”

Another fan wrote, “One of the VERY few things they’ve done right this decade.”

“I’m so happy that both of these fantastic coaches, analysts and talented personalities were each able to determine when and how they will ride off into the sun set. Many thanks to both,” a third fan commented. 

Corso has been part of “College GameDay” since its inception in 1987. It’ll be weird watching the show without him. 

Do you think ESPN handled Corso’s retirement the right way?

Related: Kirk Herbstreit Makes Opinion On Lee Corso Clear After Retirement