It’s rare for a community to rally around a single figure the way Colorado has for Bill McCartney. On a chilly January evening, the CU family gathered not in grief, but in reverence, to honor a man who was more than a coach. After this past Saturday night, Deion Sanders made a surprise visit to Alabama A&M University to watch his daughter. It was time for him and other CU Legends to pay their tributes to ‘Coach Mac’. His passing on January 10 at the age of 84, after a long battle with dementia, left an entire state mourning the loss of its greatest football icon.

At the CU Events Center, the Buffaloes hosted a memorial fit for a legend. The event brought together generations of Buffs, from Mike Jones to Eric Bieniemy, to celebrate the life of a coach who changed their lives. Former players shared emotional anecdotes, while CU Athletic Director Rick George and Dr. Raleigh Washington reminisced about McCartney’s remarkable legacy. Mark Johnson, the voice of the Buffaloes, emceed the three-hour event, which was punctuated with laughter, tears, and gratitude. The Buffs’ Instagram captured it best: “Forever in our hearts.” This wasn’t just a tribute; it was a reunion of everything McCartney built.

Deion Sanders, the man now at the helm of the Buffaloes, paid his respects as well, showing a level of humility that perfectly matched the moment. Even 100-year-old superfan Miss Peggy, a fixture at CU games, came to pay her respects. The room was a mosaic of people who, despite their different paths, were all touched by McCartney’s influence. “It hit me a lot harder than I expected,” Mike McCartney coach Mac’s son said.

For many, coach Mac’s legacy begins and ends with the 1990 national championship—Colorado’s only national title. That magical season wasn’t just a series of wins; it was a masterpiece. His team went 11-1-1, defeating Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to seal the title. But what made McCartney different wasn’t just the trophies—it was his ability to inspire. He turned the Buffaloes into a national brand, attracting talent like Darian Hagan, Alfred Williams, and Michael Westbrook.

Yet, McCartney was more than a coach. He was a man of faith who founded the Promise Keepers, a Christian men’s organization that tackled issues of family and leadership. His spiritual leadership was as much a part of his identity as his playbook. Dr. Raleigh Washington, who worked closely with McCartney on the Promise Keepers, and his former player recalled “I think it’s a testament to what he was and what he did for everybody,” Embree, a tight end in Mac’s first recruiting class in 1982, told BuffZone. It’s no wonder his players revered him not just for the championships but for the life lessons he imparted.

He surely is a testament to the current Buffs HC, Deion Sanders looking forward to replicating his success, which would be the best possible way to pay his wishes to the late CU legend.

A collective mourning of the Buffs Community

The comment section under the heartfelt post about Coach Mac was nothing short of a digital tribute, brimming with love, respect, and nostalgia for the Colorado football legend. Among the flurry of messages, heartfelt phrases like, “RIP, Coach Mac,” and “Rest in love, Coach Mac, the godfather of CU football 🏈” stood out, painting a vivid picture of the impact he left on the Buffs community. Another comment poignantly read, “God blessed you, Coach Mac.” These words didn’t just reflect the sorrow of his loss—they celebrated the indelible legacy he built.

For current CU head coach Deion Sanders, the tributes only amplify the weight of the shoes he’s looking to fill. Replicating Coach Mac’s success isn’t just about chasing wins; it’s about embodying the same values, leadership, and relentless passion that transformed Colorado football into a powerhouse.

In many ways, honoring Coach Mac through success on the field would be the ultimate tribute—a way to carry forward his wishes and inspire future generations.