Lee Corso had a close call on the set of ‘College GameDay’ when he tripped over a prop while performing an Irish jig in a leprechaun costume.

The incident occurred ahead of the Orange Bowl game between Notre Dame and Penn State. ESPN analyst Corso, 89, was dancing alongside the Fighting Irish mascot when he stumbled over a prop featuring the helmets of both teams.

Despite falling backwards, he was quickly assisted by his fellow leprechaun, earning applause from his co-hosts. Pat McAfee was among those to look visibly concerned.

Social media users expressed their worry for Corso, with one saying: “Not Lee Corso about to break his neck dancing with the leprechaun” – and another adding: “Damn Lee Corso almost fell and broke a hip.”

Doubts over Corso’s ability to continue as a broadcaster, or even manage a dance, have arisen due to his age. Comments from concerned viewers included: “Man Lee Corso can barely stand up on his own what type of contract they got him in man” – and another person labelled the situation as: “It’s elder abuse what they’re doing to Lee Corso.”

Corso missed a trip to South Bend, Indiana, last December. In conversation with Kirk Herbstreit, Corso reassured fans by saying: “I’m a lot better. I’m going to make the rest of the year. I’m going to be at all the bowl games.”

Corso has worked for ESPN since 1987

Corso has worked for ESPN since 1987 ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

This season, Corso had previously missed some shows, but after undergoing a “minor procedure” before the SEC Championship Game, Davis assured fans he was “doing great.”

On the ‘Sports Illustrated Media Podcast,’ ESPN president Burke Magnus shared insights into Corso’s future with the network. “I think we’re going to do what we’ve done now for a couple years running, which is we’re gonna have a conversation with him after the season and see where things are,” he said.

“You know, he’s a special guy. I mean, he’s one of the nicest men you or any of your listeners or anybody on Earth could ever come across. And he’s been absolutely iconic on the show. So we’re going to get through the playoff this year, let everybody decompress, and then we’ll have some time to figure out what we’re going to do for next season.”

Corso made a name for himself while coaching college football, taking charge of Louisville, Northern Illinois, and other programs during a near-30 year career. He joined ‘College GameDay’ in 1987 and become one of the most beloved figures in sports broadcasting.