Lee Corso Health Update, What Happened To Lee Corso?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 16, 2023
Who is Lee Corso?
Lee Corso is a prominent American sports broadcaster and former college football coach who has left an indelible mark on the world of college football. Serving as a featured analyst on ESPN's College GameDay program since its inception in 1987, Corso's journey spans both the coaching and broadcasting realms.
His coaching career saw him at the helm of various college football programs. Corso held the position of head football coach at the University of Louisville from 1969 to 1972, followed by Indiana University Bloomington from 1973 to 1982.
His time as the head coach at Northern Illinois University in 1984 added to his collegiate coaching record. Notably, Corso also took charge of the Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League in 1985. His coaching endeavors amassed a combined college football coaching record of 73–85–6.
Corso's exuberant personality and distinctive weekly pick have made him a beloved figure among fans. His trademark pick of the week involves donning the mascot headgear of the team he predicts to emerge victorious. Adding to his charm is his catchphrase, "Not so fast, my friend!", frequently used when he disagrees with another analyst's selection.
Born on August 7, 1935, in Cicero, Illinois, Corso's journey began as a college football player at Florida State University. His prowess led to his recognition as a two-time All-American, culminating in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Corso's coaching trajectory commenced with assistant roles at Western Kentucky University and the University of Florida after graduating from Florida State. Taking on the role of head coach at Louisville in 1969, he steered the Cardinals to multiple bowl games during his four-year tenure.
His leadership continued at Indiana in 1973, where he achieved the pinnacle by clinching a Big Ten championship in 1979. However, his journey took a turn after the 1982 season, leading to his one-season stint as head coach at Northern Illinois before retiring from coaching.
Embarking on a new phase, Corso joined ESPN in 1987 as an analyst on College GameDay. His lively personality and unparalleled insights have made him an integral part of the show. Recognized for his iconic weekly pick, Corso's habit of donning the mascot headgear of his chosen team adds an element of fun to the show. His signature catchphrase, "Not so fast, my friend!", has become synonymous with his disagreements on air.
Corso's presence resonates deeply with college football enthusiasts, positioning him as one of the most knowledgeable and respected analysts in the field. His membership in the College Football Hall of Fame and a multitude of awards underscore his contributions to the sport. With his legacy firmly established, Corso stands as an American icon and a cornerstone of College GameDay, a tradition that is set to continue for years to come.
Lee Corso Health Update
Lee Corso is set to make his return to ESPN's College GameDay for the 2023 college football season, but his recent absence from the show due to health issues has been notable. Over the years, the seasoned analyst and game picker faced health challenges, including a stroke about 12 or 13 years ago that affected his ability to speak. Kirk Herbstreit, Corso's GameDay partner, has witnessed his determination to overcome these obstacles.
Reflecting on Corso's journey, Herbstreit shared, "He had a stroke about 12 or 13 years ago and really couldn't speak. We all wondered, 'Is he gonna be okay?' and he was determined with his speech therapist." Coping with the aftermath of a stroke is a daunting task, and Corso's ongoing efforts to improve his speech underscore his passion for the game.
Age is not the only factor at play; it's the resilience Corso demonstrates in the face of challenges that stands out. "He's worked very hard to get his word out and God bless him for having that wherewithal and that passion to love this game so much to keep trying to go," Herbstreit added.
Last season, at the age of 88, Corso missed five editions of College GameDay due to health concerns. The repercussions of his stroke were evident during his absence, as it had impacted his speech. However, Corso's commitment to the show, which he has been a part of since its inception in 1987, remained unwavering.
Corso's stroke in 2009 was a turning point in his health journey. It resulted in partial paralysis and required intensive care and hospitalization. The stroke left him unable to talk for a month, a significant challenge for someone in his line of work. Despite this setback, Corso returned to the show and has been scripting his appearances to effectively communicate his insights.
As he gears up for another season of College GameDay, Corso's dedication to the sport and his perseverance in the face of health obstacles continue to inspire his colleagues and fans alike.
What Happened To Lee Corso?
Lee Corso's imminent return to 'ESPN College GameDay' is met with a bittersweet acknowledgment from his long-time colleague, Kirk Herbstreit. As Corso, 88, gears up for another season on the iconic show, his health, and age are factors that can't be ignored. Despite being an integral part of the GameDay family since its inception in 1987, Corso's recent health challenges have prompted sporadic absences from the telecasts.
The impact of a stroke in 2009, which left Corso with partial paralysis, has been compounded by subsequent medical events. These incidents have led to his absence from several episodes over the years, including five during the last fall. Notably, his presence during the full three-hour block has also dwindled.
In a recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit shared insight into Corso's resilience, saying, "He had a stroke about 12 or 13 years ago and really couldn't speak. We all wondered, 'Is he gonna be OK?' and he was determined with his speech therapist."
Overcoming the challenges posed by a stroke is a formidable task, and Corso's ongoing efforts to improve his speech are a testament to his unwavering commitment. Herbstreit emphasized that Corso's age is not the sole factor influencing his journey; it's the enduring impact of his stroke that plays a significant role.
Herbstreit continued, "He's worked very hard to get his words out and God bless him for having that wherewithal and that passion to love this game so much to keep trying to go."
Corso's legacy on College GameDay is profound. His unique perspective as a former coach has infused the show with authentic discussions, not to mention his iconic headgear predictions at the conclusion of each broadcast. Drawing parallels to other shows, Herbstreit likened Corso's role to Charles Barkley's presence on TNT, bringing a distinctive and irreplaceable element to the program.
As Corso navigates another season, his contributions to the show remain invaluable. While time inevitably takes its toll, his impact on College GameDay, the world of sports, and the hearts of fans stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Lee Corso Career
Lee Corso's career has been a long and successful one, spanning from his early days as a football coach to his current role as a sports broadcaster and analyst for ESPN. Corso began his coaching career in 1958 as an assistant coach for Florida State, Maryland, and Navy. He went on to become a head coach for several universities, including Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. Throughout his coaching career, Corso compiled a record of 73-85-6 and won two bowl games.
In 1987, Corso joined ESPN as a college football analyst and has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved personalities in sports broadcasting. He is best known for his role on the popular ESPN show, "College GameDay", where he makes his famous "headgear picks" each week by donning the mascot head of his predicted winner for the game.
Corso's entertaining and often humorous commentary on college football games has made him a fan favorite and has earned him several awards, including the Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality in 2010.
Throughout his career, Corso has been a passionate advocate for college football and has worked tirelessly to promote the sport. He has been a mentor to many young coaches and players, and his dedication to the game has earned him a place in both the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. Despite his success, Corso remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and his contributions to the world of sports broadcasting will be remembered for years to come.
Lee Corso Health Update - FAQs
Lee Corso, the iconic sports broadcaster and former college football coach, has faced health challenges in recent years.
Lee Corso suffered a stroke about 12 or 13 years ago, which impacted his ability to speak and required intensive therapy.
Despite his stroke, Lee Corso remains dedicated to his role as an analyst on ESPN's College GameDay and has been diligently working with speech therapists to overcome his speech difficulties.
Lee Corso, a prominent figure in the broadcasting world, has been an essential part of ESPN's College GameDay since its inception in 1987. His lively personality and insightful analysis have made him a beloved figure among fans.
Due to his health issues, Lee Corso has occasionally missed episodes of College GameDay in recent years. His absence from the show has sparked discussions about his health among fans and colleagues.