After nearly four decades of entertaining football fans with “not so fast, my friend” and legendary headgear picks on College GameDay, Lee Corso is officially retiring. 

In 1987, the retired college and pro football coach began his career at ESPN as an analyst for College GameDay. Corso’s entertaining personality immediately caught the fans’ attention, and crowds became enthralled by his charm and energy.

Corso began doing his headgear segment in 1995 when College GameDay was at Ohio State University. He predicts the winner of the featured game of the day and then proudly wears the mascot head of his projected winner. 

Since 1995, he has worn everything on his head from a bulldog to a duck to an elephant, and has gone 286-144 in his headgear picks all time. The slow wave after putting on the headgear is also a staple of his. Corso’s most popular headgear selection by team is Ohio State. 

Fans also love to watch the special father-son type bond between Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit. Throughout 29 seasons of working together, the two have shared many memorable moments, and their friendship is evident through their mutual respect and numerous laughs while sitting side by side.  

Corso’s last College GameDay will be on Aug. 30, the first week of the college football season, where he will make his last headgear pick. Not only will he be celebrated that day, but ESPN will include programming all week to honor the beloved broadcaster. 

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and College GameDay for nearly 40 years,” said Corso in a statement to ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”