After much speculation and Twitter campaigning, College Gameday has a guest picker.
Gameday host Chris Fowler announced today that former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell will grace the stage Saturday and select winners. Luttrell’s story was inspiration for the movie “Lone Survivor,” in which he was portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, and is a bit of a departure from the show’s normal celebrity guests.
“We’ve run the gamut of guest pickers,” Fowler said. “On Veteran’s Day week, we think it’s appropriate. We think it’ll be an honor for us to have him there.”
Alabama head coach Nick Saban brought in Luttrell to speak to the team on Friday, continuing a history of Saban bringing in motivational speakers for the team. Luttrell will also appear in front of a sold out crowd at Tuscaloosa’s Bama Theatre Friday.
While Gameday has gone through musicians, actors, former players and duck call people as guest pickers, Luttrell is a definite change of pace for the show. He doesn’t have a distinct connection to Alabama, which disappointed some fans, but he is apparently a college football fan and should know his stuff when picking games.
“We always have fun in that segment when we make our picks,” College Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit said. “I saw the movie and was one of those guys that had tears in my eyes at the end…I was heartbroken when I walked out of that theater, and to have a chance to meet him is honestly the thrill of my Saturday. Despite all the talk about football, I can’t wait to shake his hand and thank him.”
College Gameday is live from the Walk of Champions in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on ESPN starting at 8 a.m. Central.
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