Kirk Herbstreit's Emotional Tribute to Lee Corso Leaves College Football Fans in Awe
Ever wonder what it’s like to watch two legends of college football share their final moments together on screen? Well, if you’re a fan of ESPN’s College GameDay, you might have mixed feelings of joy and melancholy this upcoming season. Over the past thirty years, the dynamic duo of Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso has been a cornerstone of the show, bringing heart, soul, and a deep love for the game to millions of fans each Saturday. But as the sun sets on the horizon, it’s time for Corso, now 89 years young, to take a well-earned rest. His last show will be in Week 1 this August, potentially at the iconic Texas-Ohio State game in Columbus, where he’ll bid adieu to his career on GameDay.
I’ve been covering sports for a while now, and let me tell ya, the bond between Kirk and Coach Corso transcends mere professional respect; it’s a testament to true friendship. I mean, this isn’t just about someone handing over the baton – this is a son watching his father walk into retirement, with all the emotions that come with it. Sure, Corso has had his fair share of health challenges, but with Kirk by his side, he’s managed to keep going, contributing his wisdom and passion for another week.
Herbstreit made sure to honor this iconic partnership, sharing tributes and memories across social media, an Instagram post that’s like flipping through a family photo album, filled with some truly touching moments that capture the depth of their friendship. It was heartwarming to see fans echo this sentiment in the comments, with one saying, “You were always there for him Kirk, thanks to you as well for these memories.” Not to mention, another fan’s comment, “There is no better duo in CFB. Your friendship is beyond special.”
Corso, in his statement, couldn’t be more grateful, highlighting how ESPN has been a “generous” and “accommodating” platform for his closing act. And yes, he made a special mention of Kirk’s invaluable friendship and encouragement. It’s clear that retirement is a sunset for him but, for all those who’ve shared a Saturday with these two, it’s a sunrise to many cherished memories. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement,” Corso said. He recognized the fans too, the heartbeat of College GameDay: “truly a blessing to share this with them.”
We’ll miss these two on that big screen. Their on-screen chemistry, that bond, was something special, truly unparalleled in college football coverage. But hey, let’s celebrate the good times, right? Reflect on the legendary moments, the hilarious predictions, and the pure joy they’ve brought to our living rooms every Saturday morning.
Want to see more of this heartwarming friendship? LEARN MORE.
Over the last three decades, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso have been synonymous with college football on ESPN.
The longtime colleagues and close friends have been mainstays on College GameDay, bringing their passion and love for the sport to legions of loyal fans on a weekly basis. On Thursday, the 89-year-old Corso announced his retirement from GameDay. Corso’s final show will be in Week 1 this August, with many speculating it will be on-site for the Texas-Ohio State game in Columbus.
Herbstreit has not only sat alongside Corso for 30 years, he’s also helped the former University of Indiana head coach deal with numerous health issues over the years and still contribute to GameDay. We can guarantee Herbstreit won’t be dry-eyed during Corso’s final show this fall.
On Thursday, the ESPN analyst shared multiple heartfelt tributes to Corso on social media, including an Instagram post featuring pictures of the two of them at work over the years.
You can see the photos in the carousel below. There’s a lot of truly touching ones in there that capture the deep friendship and love these two have.
“You were always there for him Kirk, thanks to you as well for these memories,” one person wrote in the comments.
“One of the greatest duos out there,” a second person added.
“There is no better duo in CFB. Your friendship is beyond special,” a third person said.
“Thank you. You always protected him and the legacy of game-day. 💚,” a fourth person chimed in.
“They way you so gracefully led him to the end will not be overlooked or forgotten,” a fifth person wrote.
“Such an amazing friendship,” another person added.
Not only did Herbstreit share the love for Corso in this post and the video tribute he made for him, but Corso returned the favor in his own retirement statement.
“I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement,” Corso said. “ESPN has been exceptionally generous to me, especially these past few years. 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.”
We’re going to miss seeing these two together.
Related: Kirk Herbstreit Makes Opinion On Lee Corso Clear After Retirement
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