September 02, 2025
College Football Hall of Fame Unveils Steve Penley Portrait Honoring Lee Corso
To honor Coach Lee Corso’s lasting impact on college football, the College Football Hall of Fame has unveiled a permanent portrait of the legendary broadcaster, donated by acclaimed Atlanta artist Steve Penley in recognition of Corso’s retirement. The artwork, first revealed during Corso’s final ESPN College Gameday broadcast, is now on display for Hall of Fame visitors.
“The College Football Hall of Fame is honored to unveil a permanent portrait of Coach Lee Corso, hand-painted by renowned artist Steve Penley,” said Kimberly Beaudin, CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “For nearly four decades, Coach Corso has been the ultimate ambassador for college football, bringing knowledge, passion and personality to generations of fans, and turning his mascot headgear picks into a national tradition. As he enters retirement, showcasing this portrait inside The Hall is a timeless tribute to his spirit, his impact and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Steve Penley is an acclaimed Atlanta-based artist celebrated for his bold portraits of iconic American figures. His work has been featured in galleries, institutions, and private collections nationwide, making him one of the Southeast’s most recognized contemporary artists. In regard to the portrait, Penley said:
“I was not over thinking the subconscious type of stuff with this painting except to say I was thinking that if I threw every color in then no school’s colors would be absent,” said Steve Penley. “Lee Corso became, over the years, the face of college football. He made the pre-game show the main event.”
College Football Hall of Fame: 250 Marietta St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313
Hours: Wednesday-Monday (10:00am-5:00pm ET) | Tickets: cfbhall.com
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