Well, when you hear Lee Corso’s name what is the first thing that comes to your mind? The head coach who mentored three football programs – Louisville, Indiana, and Northern Illinois. He is ranked as the third-winningest IU football coach and third by a Hoosiers football coach in wins over Purdue. Later on, when he switched to broadcasting his fame got 100x. However, given the recent times, Corso does not make much public appearance. He even missed the 2024 season College GameDay.
Now that Corso is struggling with his health, ESPN host Kirk Herbstreit made an emotional confession about his mentor. As it went viral, here comes another emotional story of Corso – this time from someone who has no direct connection with either sports or the legend.
Lee Corso and his ‘Treat everyone with kindness’ motto
Now nobody knows Corso better than Herbstreit. The ESPN host clearly remembers the day from 29 years ago. Back in 1996, the host was trying to get a break for the commentator’s role when he went for an audition in the ESPN office. At that time, Corso has already been a reputed figure in the world of broadcasting. Without any sense of superiority, Corso later recalled his first meet-up with Herbstreit. “I knew, when I first met him, that he would be a star in television.” On March 10, in the Built 4 More podcast, Herbstreit shared an interesting chapter of his life story.
“You know what people come up to me and say? ‘Thanks for what you do with Lee Corso, and I love your dogs.’ Those are the two things, it has nothing to do with football, nothing to do with X and Os.” As soon as the article went viral on Reddit, here comes up another story of Corso, the enchanter. A user named “ShakeMyHeadSadly” recalled the dream come true moment in his life when he got the chance to meet the legend face to face. “I first met Lee Corso my freshman year at Indiana University. I was a journalism student and I went to do an interview with him.” Just as Herbstreit, he too was having jitters as he confessed, “I was very nervous.”
However, not even for once did Corso make the student feel inferior. “But he was extremely patient and supportive. In my mind, Lee Corso is genuinely a truly nice human being and I will forever be a fan.” The user wrapped up the confession with a prayer for Corso’s speedy recovery, “I certainly hope he can work his way through these health issues.” The 89-year-old legendary broadcaster suffered partial paralysis after a stroke in 2009. After that, it was too much of a task for him to shoot a full 3-hour long broadcast. Corso’s presence isn’t on screen, but his impact is everywhere, mainly on the lives he has touched upon.
Life lessons from Lee Corso continue to live on
Kirk Hebstreit will be grateful to Corso till the last day of his life for bringing him under his wings. After all, they have shared the podium for over three decades. So, during this phase, Corso automatically upgraded from being Herbstreit’s colleague to earning a ‘father figure’ status. Like, he did not just learn about the nitty-gritty of broadcasting. He did drop life lessons every now and then. As Herbstreit recalled, “I was always taught to respect my elders. You take care of them when you can.” Sometimes when broadcasting got too demanding, Corso’s words of advice came up with a boost of motivation.
“He’d kind of raise his hand and say, ‘Sweetheart, sweetheart, remember: We’re in the entertainment business, and football is our vehicle.’ It was almost like Don Corleone talking.” Just like Herbstreit, the Saturday Night Football podcast host Chris Fowler misses Corso dearly. Ahead of the Rose Bowl, Fowler took to IG to share a heartwarming message.
“Always savor chances to reconnect with my dear friend, especially at a place where we have so many shared memories. Lee Corso and I first spent NY Day at the Bowl together in 1998, when @umichfootball conquered Wazzu to grab a share of the National Title. 27 years later it still feels special to welcome a new year at this sacred plot of ground! LC has had a very challenging year… please join me in Wishing coach a year of health, joy, and more warm memories!” Last year, ahead of the SEC Championship Game, Lee Corso reportedly underwent a minor procedure. Corso’s words may not flow like before, but his presence beside Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler would still mean the world to fans.
The post Emotional Lee Corso Tale Unveiled by Former Journalism Student That Will Leave You Teary Eyed appeared first on EssentiallySports.
