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Awesome Photo Of Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso Goes Viral At Rose Bowl

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso have developed a tight bond throughout their years together on College GameDay.

The broadcaster and former head coach have worked side-by-side since Herbstreit joined the ESPN show in 1996. While Corso mentored Herbstreit at the start, Herbstreit has returned the favor by helping the 89-year-old if he stumbles.

On Wednesday, Herbstreit and Corso went to Pasadena to host a special mid-week GameDay at the Rose Bowl. Herbstreit later called Ohio State's 41-21 victory over Oregon alongside Chris Fowler on ESPN.

Before the game, ESPN Vice President of Communications Bill Hofheimer shared a special photo of Herbstreit and Corso. The sun shines brightly on the pair walking inside the tunnel toward the field together.

"My guy," Herbstreit responded to the photo.

Wonderful photo of ESPN's Lee Corso and @KirkHerbstreit walking in the @RoseBowlStadium tunnel this morning. They have such a special bond having worked together for nearly 30 years.

Scott Clarke | @ESPNImages pic.twitter.com/oX3YtOApRi
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) January 1, 2025

At the end of 2023, GQ's Alex Kirshner wrote a story highlighting the close connection between Herbstreit and Corso. Herbstreit explained that Corso was an excellent sounding board as he began a burgeoning broadcasting career and became a dad.

"Our relationship really changed from just being colleagues," Herbstreit said. "He was basically a second father to me or a relative of some kind. And the fact he listened."

Corso viewed their relationship similarly, but he typically limited the career advice he gave his younger peer.

"I tried to help him like he was my son, and I didn't really do too much in television," Corso said. "The only thing I told Kirk Herbstreit was, 'Don't ever give up GameDay, where people could see your face.'"

That dynamic altered over the years after Corso suffered a stroke in 2009. Herbstreit now often protects and assists Corso anytime he struggles to get out a word on air.

"We've gone from just one extreme where I’m just looking up at him like, 'What do I do?' And you know, becoming his equal, I guess, for many years and now just trying to help him in any way I can," Herbstreit told The Mental Game podcast last May.

On Wednesday's College GameDay, Corso wore the Brutus Buckeyes head to pick an Ohio State victory. Herbstreit's alma mater validating the choice by handing the Ducks their first loss of the season in a second-round blowout.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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