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Fired ESPN Analyst Sends Classy Message To Lee Corso

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 1:40 PM ET

Former ESPN employee Robert Griffin III paid tribute to Lee Corso, who will retire later this year.

ESPN revealed Thursday that Corso, who joined the company in 1987, will make his final College GameDay appearance on Saturday, Aug. 30. The former head coach will turn 90 weeks before his last time on the pre-game show.

Griffin III, who ESPN surprisingly fired last summer amid budget cuts, showed gratitude to Corso in a classy message on social media.

"Thank you Lee Corso," Griffin wrote. "Thank you for your passion for College Football. Thank you for your storytelling. Thank you for being a great teammate to all who had the honor of working with you. One more show, but we all know you will be missed on TV. But most of all, you will be remembered. Your impact was LEGENDARY."

Corso has starred on College GameDay ever since the show's inception. ESPN's announcement noted that he's made 430 headgear picks, the first of which occurred in support of Ohio State in 1996.

Corso thanked ESPN for being "exceptionally generous" to him and his family over the years.

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

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro also celebrated Corso ahead of the company mainstay's retirement.

“Lee Corso has developed a special connection to generations of fans through his entertaining style and iconic headgear picks," Pitaro said. "Lee is one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of college football, and our ESPN team will celebrate his legendary career during his final College GameDay appearance this August."

Corso developed a close bond with Kirk Herbstreit during nearly three decades of working together. The broadcaster commemorated his mentor.

"Coach Corso has had an iconic run in broadcasting, and we're all lucky to have been around to witness it. He has taught me so much throughout our time together, and he's been like a second father to me," Herbstreit said. "It has been my absolute honor to have the best seat in the house to watch Coach put on that mascot head each week."

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

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