Emotional ESPYs Lee Corso tribute includes Herbstreit, McAfee, Howard: ‘I’m honored’
The ESPYs honored legendary “College GameDay” analyst Lee Corso on Wednesday in Los Angeles with the help of the former coach’s colleagues.
Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee and Desmond Howard – as well as the USC band – were on hand during the ceremony in Los Angeles to pay tribute to the long-time college football analyst.
“I’m honored to be here tonight,” Corso told the crowd. “I want to thank ESPN for this tribute and opportunity to do a job that I’ve loved for 38 years. My goal on TV was to bring a smile to everybody’s face. I hope I’ve done that. My wife, Betsy, and I have been married for 69 years. And I just wanted to thank her for loving me and allowing me to love her for all of those years.
“Thank you very much, ESPN, for this honor (and) tribute, and I appreciate everybody here. Thank you very much.”
Corso will be making his final appearance on the season-opening “GameDay” on Aug. 30 after 38 years.
ESPN will also present special programming celebrating Corso in the days leading up to Aug. 30.
Corso has been a part of the college football pregame show since it debuted in 1987.
“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years,” Corso, who will turn 90 in August, said in a released statement in April. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.
“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.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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