Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lee Corso’s Net Worth?
Lee Corso, a prominent figure in American sports broadcasting, has accumulated a net worth of $12 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a college football analyst, particularly his long-standing role on ESPN’s College GameDay. His journey from a college athlete and coach to a beloved television personality has been marked by significant achievements and financial success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on August 7, 1935, in Illinois, Lee Richard Corso’s early life laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. His family, of Italian immigrant descent, moved to Miami when he was ten years old. He attended Miami Jackson Senior School, where he showcased his athletic abilities as a quarterback. Despite receiving a $5,000 bonus offer from the Brooklyn Dodgers to play shortstop, Corso chose to pursue higher education. At Florida State University (FSU), he excelled in both baseball and football. Known as the “Sunshine Scooter” for his remarkable speed, Corso set a record with 14 career interceptions, a record that stood for over two decades. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Corso graduated from FSU in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision in 1958.
Coaching Career
Corso’s coaching career began after college, serving as the quarterbacks coach at Maryland under his former FSU coach. In 1962, he played a pivotal role in integrating college football by recruiting Darryl Hill, an athletically gifted and academically inclined black player, from the Naval Academy. Hill became the first African-American football player in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In 1966, Corso was appointed head coach at Louisville, where he coached his future ESPN colleague Tom Jackson. He led Louisville to its second-ever bowl game in 1970 before joining Indiana in 1972. From 1973 to 1982, he coached Indiana, achieving two winning seasons. The 1979 regular season concluded with a 7-4 record, securing a spot in the 1979 Holiday Bowl. A memorable moment occurred during a 1976 game when Corso called a timeout after his team scored against Ohio State, resulting in a team photo with the scoreboard reading “Indiana 7, Ohio State 6,” marking the first time in 25 years that Indiana led the Buckeyes. Despite these moments, Corso’s tenure ended after ten years with an overall record of 41–68–2. He also served as the 16th head football coach at Northern Illinois University, with a record of 4–6–1 in his single season. In 1985, Corso made his professional coaching debut with the Orlando Renegades of the USFL. Although he was slated to return the following year, the league ceased operations.
Broadcasting Career and “College GameDay” Stardom
In 1987, Lee Corso transitioned to broadcasting, joining ESPN’s Saturday College GameDay program as an analyst. His comedic interactions with co-hosts Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, and Desmond Howard, particularly his catchphrase “Not so fast, my friend!” in response to Herbstreit’s predictions, have become a hallmark of the show. His endearing habit of calling nearly everyone “sweetheart” further enhances his on-screen persona. One of the most beloved traditions on College GameDay is Corso’s mascot headgear prediction, where he picks the featured game’s winner by donning the mascot’s headpiece. Notable milestones include his 250th headgear pick in 2014 with TCU’s Super Frog and his 400th with Colorado’s Chip the Buffalo in 2023. These moments have solidified his status as a college football icon and significantly contributed to his net worth. In 2006, Corso appeared in a Nike commercial featuring the fictional Briscoe High School football team alongside football stars Deion Sanders and Michael Vick and coaches Jimmy Johnson and Don Shula. Additionally, he was a regular presence in EA Sports’ NCAA Football Video Games alongside play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and Herbstreit until NCAA Football 11, further amplifying his visibility and contributing to his financial success.
Other Works, Charities & Legacy
During the off-season, Lee Corso serves as the Director of Business Development for Dixon Ticonderoga, a Florida-based manufacturer of office and art supplies. In 2001, he led a project to create a crayon made entirely out of soybeans, showcasing his diverse interests. He also serves as the honorary chairman of Coaches Curing Kids’ Cancer, a non-profit organization that organizes youth sports teams to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. On December 9, 2010, he received the NCFAA’s (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award in recognition of his contributions to college football. He is also an inductee in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame. These activities, while not directly contributing to his net worth in a monetary sense, enhance his public image and legacy, which indirectly supports his broadcasting career.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Lee Corso has been married to his wife Betsy since 1957, and they have four children and ten grandchildren. On May 16, 2009, he suffered a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis. He spent three days in intensive care followed by a week in the hospital and an extensive rehabilitation period. Remarkably, he returned to his ESPN College GameDay role for that year’s season. While the stroke initially rendered him unable to speak for a month, he gradually recovered. In 1986, Lee and Betsy purchased a 1.21-acre property in Lake Mary, Florida, for $82,500. They subsequently built a 3,000-square-foot lakefront home on the property. The appreciation of this real estate investment over the years has likely contributed to his overall net worth.
Lee Corso’s Net Worth – A Summary
Lee Corso’s $12 million net worth is a testament to his diverse and successful career. From his early days as a college athlete and coach to his long-standing role as a college football analyst on ESPN, he has consistently demonstrated his passion, knowledge, and charisma. His contributions to college football, both on and off the field, have solidified his legacy as a beloved figure in the sport. The financial success he has achieved throughout his career is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and enduring appeal to fans across the country. His real estate investment in Lake Mary, Florida, also contributed to his overall net worth.
