Chris Fowler's Message to Lee Corso Amid Health Concerns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jan 1, 2025 7:45 AM ET

One of college football's favorite personalities has been notably absent a few times throughout the season on ESPN's "College GameDay."

The analyst in question is the beloved Lee Corso, who is best known for his uncensored takes and for putting on the mascot head of the team who he thinks will win the game of the week. The 89-year-old has sat out of a few "College GameDay" shows throughout the year due to health concerns or feeling under the weather, with his most recent absence being the crew's appearance in South Bend ahead of the first-round game between Notre Dame and Indiana.

Corso appeared the following day in Columbus to preview the meeting between Ohio State and Tennessee, among the other games as well. With fans across the country wishing him well throughout the year and hoping to see him more, ESPN's Chris Fowler took to Instagram to share a heartwarming message to Corso while also wishing him a healthy 2025 on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Rose Bowl.

"Always savor chances to reconnect with my dear friend, especially at a place where we have so many shared memories," Fowler wrote. "Lee Corso and I first spent NY Day at the Bowl together in 1998, when @umichfootball conquered Wazzu to grab a share of the National Title. 27 years later it still feels special to welcome a new year at this sacred plot of ground! LC has had a very challenging year... please join me in Wishing coach a year of health, joy, and more warm memories!"

In early December, Fowler shared that Corso had undergone a minor procedure the week of the conference championships, which is why the former Indiana head coach wasn't in Atlanta with the team.

"By the way, our good friend Lee Corso had a minor procedure this week," Fowler said in December. He’s doing great. We look forward to getting Lee back during the postseason,” Davis told the audience. “I know he’s watching right now, and he’ll be with us throughout the day.”

Corso has been a part of "College GameDay" since it first aired in 1987, and also has been featured in the NCAA Football video game series from 2006-11. A stroke in 2009 has played a role in the former head coach's struggles with speech at times, but he comes prepared with notes and also has Kirk Herbstriet and company by his side.

While Corso has the occasional slip-up, he is still an iconic figure in the college football space that fans can't get enough of. If he is able to continue to appear on "College GameDay," it'd, of course, be a treat for all.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: