Kirk Herbstreit Recalls Emotional Lee Corso Memory Following Retirement News

So, here’s the thing. Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso, those two? Yeah, they go way back. Like, WAY back. Thirty-five-year age gap! Seriously, they could probably create a sit-com out of their friendship. It’s kind of charming really. Anyway, Herbie (can I call him that?) is prepping for Corso’s big retirement at 89—wow, that’s a number you can’t ignore, huh?—and he dredged up this gem from the past on social media.

So there he was, scrolling through memory lane, or maybe just procrastinating, who knows, when he found a screenshot from way back in 2009. Picture this: it’s the set of “GameDay” for Ohio State-USC. Herbie had his kids on the set with him. Cute, right? There’s Corso, not missing a beat, playfully ribbing the boys because, get this, he picked the Trojans over the Buckeyes. And, man, thanks to some jaw-dropping play from a fresh-faced QB named Matt Barkley, Corso’s pick—rare as hen’s teeth against the Bucks—turned out spot on.

Herbie tweeted it out to the world. You know, ‘cause why not share the nostalgia? And people just ate it up. Reactions poured in over the weekend like confetti at a parade. “This is great,” one commented, while others were like, “Special game.” Simple words, but you could feel the warmth. One fan was buzzing about that epic Eugene setting, you know—the Ducks game paradise. And the sentiment? Oh boy, remember how life seemed… simpler back then? I sure do.

And Lee, legend, right? Allegedly, every time he picked USC, his record was flawless. 17-0! Some Trojans alum was probably grinning ear to ear typing that out.

Anyway—no, wait, what was I—ah, how could I forget! So, Lee’s officially hanging up his hat—or should I say headgear (seemed fitting with his clinic on whimsical helmet picks). He’s stepping away after 38 spirited years. Imagine the memories! He’s got more tales and quirks from “College GameDay” than you can shake a stick at. Imagine the dinner party stories. In his statement, he mentioned being grateful for the chance to be part of ESPN and accumulating a lifetime’s worth of laughter and friendships. As he steps into the sunset, those of us who watched remember we’ve been part of something a bit special, too, right?

P.S.—Somewhat related but not really: Tony Stewart’s made a big NASCAR announcement, but we’ll save that road race saga for another day.