Colorado unveiled a bronze statue of late football coach Bill McCartney on Friday, honoring the program’s winningest coach and the architect of its 1990 national championship.
The 8½-foot statue, funded by former players, stands in the northeast corner of the Buffaloes’ practice field in the shadow of Folsom Field.
McCartney, who died Jan. 10 at age 84, led Colorado to a 93-55-5 record from 1982-94 and guided the Buffaloes to an 11-1-1 season and a share of the national title in 1990.
A private ceremony attended by McCartney’s family, former players, coach Deion Sanders and the current team preceded the public display before Saturday’s home finale against Arizona State.
“He had a vision. He could lift you to heights you couldn’t lift yourself,” former CU linebacker Barry Remington told AP.
Sanders called the statue “un-darn-believable,” adding he wished it stood “in the center of campus.”
The granite base includes a McCartney quote: “Big Dreams Create the Magic That Stir Men’s Souls to Greatness.” A fitting touch to a man who touched so many lives in Boulder.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M