Tessa Quinn
Lee Corso, the former college football player and coach, suffered a stroke in May 2009, which led to his hospitalization and partial paralysis. This health scare impacted his speech, leaving him unable to talk for a period of time. Despite these challenges, Corso demonstrated grit and courage, committing to a rehabilitation process that allowed him to return to his beloved College GameDay show. With the support of colleagues like Kirk Herbstreit, Corso persevered through health struggles and continued to engage with the sport he loved, even as he approached his 90th birthday.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospitalisation | Suffered a stroke |
| Age at the time | 73 |
| Date | May 2009 |
| Location | His home in Lake Mary, Florida |
| Effects of the stroke | Partial paralysis, loss of speech |
| Hospital stay | Three days of intensive care, followed by a week's stay in the hospital |
| Recovery | Recovered and returned to College GameDay |
| Impact on show | Strengthened his relationship with Kirk Herbstreit, who took on a protective role |
| Changes to work | Required to script his points carefully |
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What You'll Learn
Lee Corso suffered a stroke in 2009
Lee Corso, the former college football coach and analyst, suffered a stroke in May 2009 at the age of 73. The stroke occurred at his home in Lake Mary, Florida, near Orlando, when he went out to fetch his morning newspaper. As a result of the stroke, Corso experienced partial paralysis and was unable to speak for a period of time. He required three days of intensive care followed by a week's stay in the hospital.
Corso's health scare raised concerns about his ability to return to his role at ESPN and his ability to live a full and functional life. However, with determination and courage, Corso focused on rehabilitation with the goal of returning to "College GameDay" to kick off the 2009 season. His colleagues, including Kirk Herbstreit, supported him during this challenging time. Herbstreit, a fellow ESPN analyst, assumed a protective role, helping to guide and prompt Corso during their appearances together.
The stroke had a significant impact on Corso's speech and communication abilities. He had to carefully script his points and appearances on the program. Despite the challenges, Corso persevered and continued to appear on ""College GameDay"" for 16 years after the stroke, showcasing his commitment to his work and passion for the sport.
Corso's presence on the show, particularly his relationship with Herbstreit, evolved into a heartwarming subplot that resonated with fans. While his health struggles were evident, Corso's sharp wit and analytical skills from his early years remained a part of his broadcasting style. The stroke also led to a strengthening of the bond between Corso and Herbstreit, with Herbstreit crediting Corso for supporting him after the passing of his father in 2016.
Lee Corso's journey after his stroke in 2009 highlights his resilience and dedication to his craft. With the support of his colleagues and his own determination, he was able to return to the show and continue entertaining fans for many years.
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The stroke left him partially paralysed and unable to speak
Lee Corso suffered a stroke in May 2009 at his home in Florida. The stroke caused partial paralysis, and as a result, he was unable to speak for a period of time. This marked a concerning time for Corso, as the focus shifted from his career to his ability to live a full and functional life.
Corso's recovery was a challenging journey. He underwent rehabilitation with the goal of returning to his role at College GameDay. During this time, he faced difficulties with speech and required scripting to communicate effectively. Despite the challenges, Corso's determination and courage shone through, and he successfully returned to College GameDay in 2009.
The stroke had a significant impact on Corso's professional life. Before the stroke, Corso was known for his sharp-tongued and attention-grabbing commentary, with a willingness to be wrong and not worry about it. However, after the stroke, he experienced challenges with his speech, and his mouth didn't work as well as he wanted it to. This resulted in a shift in the dynamics of his on-screen partnerships, particularly with Kirk Herbstreit, who took on a more protective role, helping to guide and prompt Corso during broadcasts.
Herbstreit's support for Corso extended beyond their professional relationship. When Herbstreit's father passed away in 2016, Corso was a source of comfort and support for him. This mutual bond strengthened their connection and helped Corso navigate the challenges of his recovery.
Lee Corso's experience with his stroke and subsequent recovery showcases his resilience and dedication to his work. Despite the challenges, he persevered and continued to be a beloved figure on College GameDay for many years. His journey serves as an inspiration to many.
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He returned to College GameDay in 2009
Lee Corso, the former college football player and coach, suffered a stroke in May 2009 at his home in Florida. At the time, he was 73 years old and in his 22nd year of ESPN's College GameDay. The stroke caused partial paralysis and impacted his speech, leaving him unable to talk for a month.
Despite concerns about his ability to return to his role at ESPN, Corso was determined to get back to College GameDay. He successfully returned to the show, opening the 2009 season. This marked the beginning of Corso's recovery and return to the GameDay desk, 16 years after suffering the stroke.
Corso's recovery and return to the show were aided by his colleagues, including Kirk Herbstreit, with whom Corso developed a closer relationship. Herbstreit assumed a protective role, helping to prompt Corso during conversations and ensuring he was comfortable on the show. Corso also had to adapt, carefully scripting his points to compensate for any remaining difficulties with speech and cognition.
The stroke had a significant impact on Corso's approach to the show, and he leaned into the tradition of his headgear picks, making it the signature moment of the show. Corso's resilience and commitment to College GameDay allowed him to continue his remarkable run on the show, connecting with fans and creating memorable moments.
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His colleague, Kirk Herbstreit, supported him upon his return
Lee Corso, the former college football coach and analyst, suffered a stroke in 2009, which impacted his speech and motor functions. The stroke marked a turning point in Corso's relationship with his colleague and friend, Kirk Herbstreit.
Herbstreit, who had joined ESPN's "College GameDay" in 1996, had initially looked up to Corso as a mentor and a father figure. Over the years, their relationship evolved, and Herbstreit became Corso's safety net and supporter. Upon Corso's return to "College GameDay" after his stroke, Herbstreit was protective of him and helped him navigate the challenges of being an on-air personality with changed speech and motor skills. Herbstreit would subtly interrupt or put his hand on Corso's to guide him during conversations.
The dynamic duo's relationship went beyond the professional, as they supported each other through personal challenges. When Herbstreit's father passed away in 2016, Corso was there for him, and their bond strengthened as Herbstreit reciprocated this support after Corso's stroke. Their friendship and collaboration have been described as a "bromance" and the "sweetest" in sports.
Herbstreit's support for Corso extended beyond their on-air interactions. In an excerpt from their book, "Out of the Pocket: Football, Fatherhood, and College GameDay Saturdays", Herbstreit recalled receiving a phone call in 2009 informing him of Corso's stroke. He was devastated by the news and concerned about Corso's health, underlining the depth of their connection.
The producer of "College GameDay," Jim Gaiero, observed the dynamic between the two, noting that Herbstreit was always super protective of Corso, and that their relationship went way beyond a professional one. This sentiment was echoed by Maria Taylor, who highlighted how their relationship and Herbstreit's dedication to Corso's side evolved into a vulnerable and endearing subplot to the show.
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Corso faced further health issues in 2022 and 2024
Lee Corso suffered a stroke in May 2009 at the age of 73. The health scare caused partial paralysis and impacted his speech, leaving him unable to talk for a month. He spent three days in intensive care followed by a week's stay in the hospital. After the stroke, Corso experienced difficulties with his speech and cognition, requiring him to carefully script his points for appearances on "College GameDay".
In October 2022, Corso missed several editions of "College GameDay" due to health issues. He was reported to be in good spirits and hoped to rejoin the crew soon. During this time, Corso experienced challenges with his health, including an incident where he woke up feeling unwell, leading to his absence from the show. Despite these setbacks, Corso's dedication to his work and the support of his colleagues helped him through these difficult times.
As Corso advanced in his career, his health struggles became more prominent. In the lead-up to his final College GameDay show, concerns about his functional abilities in daily life took center stage. However, Corso's determination and resilience shone through once again, as he surprised everyone by returning to the show. This period marked a significant shift in the dynamics between Corso and his colleagues, especially Kirk Herbstreit, who adopted a more protective role, offering subtle support and guidance during broadcasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Lee Corso suffered a stroke in May 2009, which caused partial paralysis and impacted his speech. He spent three days in intensive care followed by a week in the hospital.
Lee Corso had to script his points more carefully as his ability to ad-lib smoothly was impacted. His colleague, Kirk Herbstreit, adopted a more protective role, helping to prompt Corso during conversations.
Yes, Lee Corso returned to ESPN's College GameDay pregame show 16 years after suffering the stroke. He marked his 431st and final pick on the show at the age of 90.
Yes, Lee Corso experienced multiple health issues in his advancing years. He missed five weeks in the 2022 season and faced other minor issues. He also had to contribute remotely to College GameDay during the COVID-19 pandemic.
