Lee Corso: A Legendary Voice in American Football
Lee Corso is one of the most iconic and beloved figures in American college football. Known for his energetic personality, quick wit, and famous headgear picks on ESPN’s College GameDay, Corso has spent decades influencing fans and players alike. Beyond the television spotlight, he has led a vibrant life as a player, coach, husband, father, and stroke survivor.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Lee Richard Corso
- Date of Birth: August 7, 1935
- Place of Birth: Lake Mary, Florida, USA
- Age (as of 2025): 89 years old
Lee Corso was born to Italian immigrant parents. His father, Alessandro, had only a fifth-grade education and worked as a laborer, while his mother, Irma, was a cafeteria worker. Despite humble beginnings, Corso excelled in school and athletics, especially football and baseball.
He attended Miami Jackson Senior High School, where he earned the nickname “Sunshine Scooter” due to his quickness on the field. That nickname stuck with him throughout his life.
College Education and Athletic Career
Corso went on to attend Florida State University (FSU), where he was a star quarterback and defensive back for the Seminoles football team from 1953 to 1957.
College Highlights:
- Played alongside future coaching great Burt Reynolds, who later became a Hollywood star.
- Also excelled in baseball at FSU.
- Was drafted by the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals in 1958 but chose to pursue coaching instead.
Corso earned a degree in physical education and later received a master’s degree in administration and supervision from FSU.
Coaching Career
Corso’s coaching career spanned nearly 30 years, with a significant impact at both the college and professional levels.
Coaching Timeline & Highlights:
| Year(s) | Team / Position | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1958–1959 | FSU (Graduate Assistant) | Began coaching career at alma mater |
| 1960–1965 | Maryland (QB/DB Coach) | Helped develop strong defensive units |
| 1966–1968 | Navy (Defensive Backs Coach) | Gained national respect for defensive strategy |
| 1969–1972 | Louisville (Head Coach) | Led team to 2nd place in Missouri Valley Conf. |
| 1973–1982 | Indiana University (Head Coach) | Most famous coaching stint |
| 1984 | USFL’s Orlando Renegades (Head Coach) | Coached in short-lived pro football league |
Indiana University (1973–1982)
- Overall Record: 41–68–2
- Notable Achievement: Led Indiana to the 1979 Holiday Bowl, beating BYU 38–37. This marked Indiana’s second bowl appearance in school history.
- Known for reviving the football spirit in a basketball-centric school.
- Was named Coach of the Year by multiple outlets in 1979.
Transition to Broadcasting
In 1987, Lee Corso joined ESPN as a college football analyst, becoming one of the original panelists of College GameDay in 1989. His flair for drama and unique personality turned him into a fan favorite.
Broadcasting Highlights:
- Known for donning mascot headgear to predict game winners—a tradition started in 1996.
- Famous catchphrase: “Not so fast, my friend!”
- Has made over 300 headgear picks (as of 2024).
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Contributor Category) for his work in media.
Despite suffering a stroke in 2009, Corso remained committed to GameDay. His speech was affected, but his spirit and humor stayed strong. ESPN supported his gradual return to the screen with shorter segments and pre-recorded appearances when necessary.
Family and Personal Life
- Wife: Betsy Corso (married since 1957)
- Children: 4 (3 sons and 1 daughter)
- Grandchildren: Multiple
Corso has credited his wife Betsy for being a constant support system throughout his life, especially during his recovery from his stroke. The couple resides in Lake Mary, Florida.
Health and Stroke
In May 2009, Corso suffered a major stroke, which impaired his speech and motor skills. At the time, he was 73 years old.
Stroke Impact:
- Temporarily lost the ability to speak fluently.
- Took several months of intense physical and speech therapy.
- Returned to ESPN’s College GameDay in fall 2009 in a limited capacity.
- Gradually increased his involvement each year, inspiring fans with his determination.
As of 2025, Corso still participates in the show, mostly in pre-recorded or ceremonial roles, as a respected elder statesman of the sport.
Achievements and Awards
| Achievement / Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Inducted into Florida Sports Hall of Fame | 2010 |
| Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame | 2012 |
| College Football Hall of Fame (Contributor) | 2019 |
| Honorary Doctorate from Florida State | 2001 |
| Over 300 mascot headgear picks on GameDay | 1996–present |
| 10+ National Coach of the Week awards | 1970s–1980s |
He is widely praised not only for his coaching and broadcasting but also for popularizing college football culture among newer generations.
Net Worth, Salary, and Financial Overview
Estimated Net Worth (2025):
$12 million – $15 million
Annual ESPN Salary:
$500,000 – $600,000
While Corso no longer has a full-time coaching role or high-profile endorsements, his longtime association with ESPN, public appearances, and books contribute to his net worth.
He also earns from:
- Speaking engagements
- Autograph events
- Licensing deals (e.g., College GameDay merchandise)
Goals and Legacy
Though Lee Corso never won a national title as a coach, his legacy far surpasses wins and losses. His goal, as he has often said, has always been “to make football fun” and “to connect with people”—something he has achieved across generations.
Core Elements of His Legacy:
- Made college football analysis entertaining and accessible.
- Brought humor and personality to sports journalism.
- Respected mentor to younger broadcasters like Kirk Herbstreit and Rece Davis.
- Continues to be an ambassador for stroke awareness and healthy aging.
Interesting Facts and Figures
- Corso once roomed with Burt Reynolds in college.
- He turned down an offer to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team to stay in school.
- Holds one of the longest continuous roles on ESPN (over 35 years).
- He has worn more than 65 different mascot heads on air.
- Had his own bobblehead line released in 2013 by ESPN.
- Over 7 million people watch College GameDay on major game weekends.
Conclusion
Lee Corso’s journey from a humble Florida upbringing to national sports celebrity status is one of perseverance, passion, and personality. He has worn many hats—literally and figuratively—as a player, coach, broadcaster, stroke survivor, and entertainer. His influence on college football is profound, not just for what he’s done, but for how he’s done it—with humor, humility, and heart.
At nearly 90 years old, Corso remains a living symbol of the game, proving that football isn’t just about strategy and scores, but also about stories, spirit, and showmanship.
