SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Seminole County has proclaimed Aug. 26, 2025, as Lee Corso Day, honoring the longtime ESPN broadcaster and former coach ahead of his final appearance this weekend.
Corso, widely known for his endearing expressions and elaborate headgear picks, is set to retire on Saturday after a career with ESPN’s “College Gameday” that began in 1987.
Seminole County commissioners dedicated the day to Corso, who has served as a “tremendous ambassador for college football, for his alma mater, and for his beloved Seminole County, often speaking glowingly of his community and even reporting directly from his sunny Lake Mary home.”
“It means so much to me for people like this to say nice things about me, and I hope that I deserve them,” Corso said Tuesday.
Corso, who turned 90 in August, began his popular headgear segment in October 1996 at a game at Ohio State.
“Basically, I figured I’m the only guy in America that makes a living off putting on somebody’s head,” Corso said.
Since then, he has gone 286-144 in 430 selections wearing everything from helmets and mascot heads to dressing up as the Fighting Irish leprechaun from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree and historic figures James Madison and Benjamin Franklin.
“Not so fast, my friend” is one of his most well-known comments and his good humor alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and Desmond Howard and many others going back more than three decades helped make Corso and the show a beloved staple for millions on college football Saturdays.
“Throughout his nearly 40-year broadcasting career, Mr. Corso has inspired countless fans, uplifted his community, and represented Seminole County with humor, passion, and pride,” Seminole County’s proclamation reads.
Corso was a college and pro football coach for 28 years before transitioning to broadcasting. He coached 15 years in college at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois.
“I promised my wife I’d bring her back to Florida to live, and I did. She said we’re not leaving now. This is our home,” Corso said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.