This is one guest picker I would guess most everyone can rally around.
ESPN confirmed Friday that Marcus Luttrell will serve as the College GameDay guest picker for the pregame show originating from Tuscaloosa prior to the Mississippi State-Alabama game. For those who are unaware, Luttrell is a former Navy SEAL who served as the inspiration for the 2013 movie “Lone Survivor.”
While certainly heartbreaking in one aspect, Luttrell’s story is truly one of survival. Here’s an account from al.com in its story on Luttrell being asked to speak to the Tide players prior to the MSU game:In June 2005, Luttrell was one of four Navy SEALs caught up in a gun fight with Taliban forces in Eastern Afghanistan. He was the only survivor. A helicopter consisting of 16 SEALs dispatched to rescue the group was also shot down.
A wounded Luttrell walked and crawled several miles before he was taken in by an Afghan tribe. He was ultimately rescued six days later.Luttrell, who spent several months recovering from his wounds, now serves as a motivational speaker. While Luttrell’s selection may not have been obvious, the reasoning behind it certainly is -- Tuesday was Veteran’s Day and many teams will extend the holiday into this weekend. Chris Fowler, the on-camera conductor of GameDay, stated that the show wanted to honor a celebrated member of the military.
