Marcus Luttrell on Oct. 30, 2014

Former Navy Seal and author of "Lone Survivor," Marcus Luttrell addresses the crowd at a luncheon honoring him at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, Ala., on Thursday Oct. 30, 2014. The luncheon benefitted the Waterfront Rescue Mission.

(Sharon Steinmann/ssteinmann@al.com)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- For all the talk about Hollywood stars with Alabama connections, ESPN took a different approach to selecting the College GameDay guest picker this week.

Host Chris Fowler on Friday morning announced they're welcoming Marcus Luttrell, the retired Navy SEAL whose story inspired the hit movie "Lone Survivor."

Fowler said they chose Luttrell party because they wanted to honor a celebrated member of the military on the week of Veterans Day.

GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit said he left the theater in tears after watching "Lone Survivor."

"To have a chance to meet him is honestly the thrill of my Saturday," Herbstreit said. "I can't wait to shake his hand and thank him. I don't know how we're going to have fun in that segment. I hear he's a big college football fan. Hopefully we'll be able to keep it lighthearted."

Luttrell will also speak to the Alabama football team Friday, coach Nick Saban announced on his radio show Thursday night.

Nearly 50,000 voters on AL.com's poll to pick the picker with actor Lucas Black beating out Channing Tatum for the top spot.

GameDay will air live outside Bryant-Denny Stadium from 8-11 a.m. CT Saturday morning.