Lee Corso Celebrates 400th Headgear Pick on ESPN’s “GameDay” with Emotional Tribute
In a heartwarming moment on Saturday’s edition of ESPN’s “GameDay,” Lee Corso, the beloved college football analyst, was visibly emotional as he marked his 400th headgear pick in Boulder, Colorado. This iconic tradition, which Corso started on October 5, 1996, when he donned the Brutus Buckeye mascot head, has become a staple that fans across the nation eagerly await in the closing minutes of each show.
During the special tribute segment, former coaches and colleagues shared their fond memories of Corso’s entertaining antics over the years. Nick Saban remarked, “Anytime I’m watching, and you don’t know what he’s going to pick up, that’s all pretty exciting.” Kirby Smart added, “I feel like I’ve been watching Lee Corso do that since I was in high school. The different antics he used and the various mascots he sported are incredible.” Even Ryan Day expressed, “To this day, I still watch it to see what he is going to do.”
The “GameDay” crew also took a trip down memory lane, sharing their favorite Corso moments. Rece Davis pointed to the memorable occasion when Matthew McConaughey playfully wrestled the LSU headgear off Corso’s head, leaving a bit of blood. Desmond Howard recalled the time when Katy Perry, in her enthusiasm, nearly broke Corso’s nose while removing an Alabama mascot head.
Rece Davis, reflecting on his time alongside Corso, expressed, “The fact that I got a chance to sit next to you all these years and watch you do your thing and just learn from you, it just taught me so much about this industry. Watching you perform and the way you did it. We love you so much. You are a piece of gold we cherish every week.”
Lee Corso’s 400th headgear pick is a testament to his enduring legacy and the joy he brings to college football fans across the country. His charismatic presence on “GameDay” has made him a beloved figure in the sport, and fans can’t wait to see what headgear he’ll choose next.