With his iconic headgear picks, holding his signature Dixon Ticonderoga pencil, Lee Corso would roar, “Not so fast, my friend,” as he nitpicked his analysis on ESPN’s College GameDay for over 35 years. He had been part of the broadcast segment since its inception in 1987. But alas! It’s coming to an end. The show will move on, but without his cherished face. Corso, a true sport, is stepping down from his post, bidding adieu to his post, leaving his mark, both on and off the turf.

Known as the ‘Sunshine Scooter’, for his diverse role in offense, defense, and special teams, Corso was a hit during his analyst days as well. The fan-favourite? His mascot headgear, which started in 1996. It earned a lot of praise, stardom, and flamboyance for his lively persona, not for weeks, but one that stretched on to decades. Marking his 90th birthday, he will make his last appearance on ESPN on August 30. But the TV host will not go without a blast. A $336 billion company has rolled out an American-wide contest for his farewell. So, what’s the latest scoop?

Setting up Lee Corso’s dream game-day setup. Yup, that’s the aim. And, Samsung is rolling out a totally immersive tech gear. But only one thing’s lacking. Fans’ recommendations on how to make it an explosive appearance for Corso. “….planning a spectacular grand finale to celebrate Lee Corso’s illustrious career. But if you think, after he makes that final hit your pick, that he’s not going to be totally immersed in football,” Journalist Rece Davis revealed. “Well, a wise man once said, ‘Not so fast, my friend. Or forget about it. LC is going to be immersed in the game.’ With your help, we’re inviting you, along with Samsung to drop in the comments your recommendations for what LC needs for the perfect setup to watch every single game.”

And the devil lies in the detail. The suggestions stress every minute detail that might improve Lee Corso’s immersive experience. The type of screen for the audio settings, the seating arrangements, and more. “Maybe some rituals you like, or maybe even it’s just the snacks you can’t do without. And after watching LC work a snack tray and take him back to his hotel room, he’ll know exactly what to do with the snacks,” Davis added. So, we have got something to munch on, and get ready with exciting ideas.

But that’s not the only event the internet is holding its breath for. There’s more to it. More of like a blast from the past. Well, to commemorate and honor Lee Corso’s legacy, ESPN will air a TV special to honor him for his dedication to the sport. A beautiful glimpse down memory lane, spanning his journey across as a player, coach, and broadcaster. And that too featuring his fellow colleagues. Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Dabo Swinney, and Lane Kiffin will make their appearance.

It will premiere on Friday, August 22, at 9 P.M. ET.

Lee Corso’s 75-year legacy at the gridiron

You know what, there’s a wholesome ‘The Lee Corso’ incident that gives us a peek into the early life of the ESPN persona. Corso was recruited out of Miami, where he spent the majority of his youth. He was truly charismatic, a true sport, both on and off the turf. “Lee was a jack-of-all-trades; he could do it all, from quarterback to defensive back,” recalled former FSU halfback Bob Carnes.

He helped the Seminoles win 24 games and clinch Florida State’s second Bowl appearance. Though he did injure his ankle against Texas Western and had to be carried off the turf, was he a spoilsport? Nah! Far away from that! As the lore goes, the young QB went on dancing at a Mexican Cantina across the border, and that too after a 40-27 defeat. He was a darling across the campus, known for his flamboyant swagger.

“I remember Corso as being quite flamboyant even then,” Late Jim Joanos, FSU alum and Tallahassee lawyer, recalled in a story he authored in 2001 for Seminole Boosters, Inc. “He made quite a splash on campus. He has not changed. As far as I can tell from watching ‘Gameday’ on television, he is still pretty much the same Lee Corso that was at FSU in the ’50’s.”

As Pat Hogan, former FSU’s sports information director, puts it, he inherited his dramatic flair from his head coach, Tom Nugent. Although he was a young standout, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball, the gridiron holds a special anecdote that acted as a launchpad for his future glory. As the lore goes, Corso, a prized 17-year-old recruit, agreed to be Nugent’s quarterback only if he were the starting QB against Miami that season. The head coach (Nugent) caved in, and he kept his promise, as the FSU star wrapped up a glorious four years with the Seminoles. And he enjoyed a full-circle moment as well. Getting back to coaching the program, where he learned the drills, and inducting him into the Florida State Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Lee Corso was a part of one of the early momentous times in FSU sports history,” Hogan added. After graduating, he came back as an assistant coach under Nugent. Again, a wholesome incident appears during his stint. In those days, freshmen wrote their last names, printed in black marker on white masking tape, strapping it across their helmets.

Wrapping up his coaching stint, he landed at ESPN’s desk. Little did he know, years later, that he would be the longest-serving member of College GameDay. Now, after 38 years, he bids adieu with, “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories, and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement,” with the fans holding their breath reminiscingly with, “Not so fast, my dear friend.”