Lee Corso always knows how to bring the drama one or the other way around, but today? Man, it hit different. At 89, the OG of “College GameDay” had the crowd hyped, ready for his next move. But what went down after that had folks shook. Social media? Blew up faster than a Hail Mary in the playoffs, and let’s just say, it wasn’t all cheers.

Lee Corso almost took an unplanned trip to the turf, and ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ crew is catching heat for it. Picture this: the 89-year-old legend, dressed as a leprechaun, trying to bust a jig alongside Notre Dame’s mascot. Just as things were getting jiggy, Corso wobbled like a freshman kicker in overtime. Lucky for him, the mascot had hands like an All-American DB, saving what could’ve been a prime-time faceplant. Fans? They weren’t laughing. Social media lit up, blasting ESPN for putting the icon in such a spot.

Between Kirk Herbstreit’s passionate outburst and Pat McAfee’s reverse psychology picks, the Orange Bowl pregame turned into chaos central—and Corso was nearly the headline.

Lee Corso’s near tumble wasn’t just a moment—it was the moment that had everyone talking, for better or worse. The man’s been a legend on “College GameDay” for decades. But after his stroke in 2009, he’s had some health concerns. He missed a bunch of shows last year and this year too. Some fans even started calling for him to retire. However, this time felt different. People weren’t just worried about his fall or health, they were wondering if ESPN was using him more for a sideshow than celebrating his amazing career.

‘Protect Lee at all costs’ became the vibe on social media, as folks called out the network for what some are calling a lack of care. Between the leprechaun antics and the edge-of-your-seat wobble, it’s clear Corso’s still the heart of the show, but maybe it’s time to ease up on the theatrics.

The fans on the internet are calling for Lee Corso to hang up the mic

The fans didn’t waste any time to make it a trendsetter. They went on X and nuked ESPN and Lee Corso for this blasphemy.

This fan started with, “OMG!! Please, please, please let Lee Corso go out with some shred of dignity…ESPN is a joke!” This comment was like a punt return straight to the heart. Fans are begging for the network to give Corso a graceful send-off instead of these high-risk, low-reward antics. It’s not about the laughs anymore; it’s about letting the man retire with his crown intact.

Another fan bought in a crazy comparison, “The Di-k Vitale of college football or is Di-k Vitale the Lee Corso of college basketball???” Look, a wild crossover no one asked for, but it hits. Both legends are synonymous with their sports, yet both have faced criticism for being kept in the spotlight for a little too long. Fans are starting to feel like these icons are being trotted out for nostalgia more than necessity.

Now see this is crazy: “ESPN dead-set on seeing Corso die on live TV.” Dark? Absolutely. Hyperbolic? Maybe not. The network’s insistence on putting Corso in physically challenging spots is drawing fire. Fans aren’t here for the drama—they’re here for football, and Corso’s safety is becoming the bigger narrative.

This X user called out on ESPN for their recklessness, “ESPN did, have you not noticed they are not always in the interest of the people yet when it comes to well-being?” It’s giving corporate shade. Fans aren’t exactly shocked that ESPN is prioritizing ratings over Corso’s health. The network’s track record isn’t helping, and this comment sums up the cynicism perfectly.

And the last one was a bit diabolical: “Why did they let the old bag of bones do this 🤣.” Look, we ain’t gonna tolerate disrespecting Lee Corso, but at the same time, some fans are genuinely worried about his health.

See, we all know Corso wants to be there with Kirk Herbstreit and GameDay. And it’s clear fans love him, but they’re overseeing him in risky situations. The man’s a legend, not a gimmick, and the growing backlash against ESPN is proof that people want better for him. Maybe it’s time for the network to rethink how they use Corso on GameDay.

After all, you don’t need theatrics to keep his legacy alive—his iconic headgear picks and unmatched personality have already cemented his place in college football history. Let the man shine without the risk and let us watch the Orange Bowl in some peace