Kirk Herbstreit tears up during Lee Corso’s ‘College Gameday’ tribute

The whole college football community came together to wish Lee Corso well as he approaches his final headgear selection on Aug. 30 ahead of Ohio State-Texas. 

ESPN’s “College GameDay” posted a heartfelt tribute to Corso on Sunday that featured current and former colleagues, guest pickers, his family and even fans who shared what the 90-year-old broadcaster meant to their lives over the years.

Corso is shown in the tribute video watching message after message, which got him progressively choked up and emotional. 

It culminated in a special portion from his fellow “College Gameday” hosts Rece Davis, Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit. 

Herbstreit, who has been a member of “College GameDay” since 1996, couldn’t even get through his first sentence without welling up in tears.

“It’s been an incredible–” he said before pausing to collect himself. “An incredible honor. And a privilege to be with you, to be your partner for all these years. There will never be another Lee Corso. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for this show, for this sport. You’re one of one. Love ya, bud.” 

After 38 years of headgear picks, Corso will make one more in Columbus, Ohio, where Herbstreit played quarterback from 1989-1993. 

The headgear tradition, where he would don a mascot’s head to predict the winner of a game, helped make Corso into a legend in the college football space. Few broadcasters have been able to connect with fans the way Corso has.