Former Colorado athletes contribute statue honoring late coach Bill McCartney

Jeff Hauser

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Ex-Colorado players donate statue of late coach Bill McCartney image

TL;DR

  • Colorado unveiled an 8½-foot bronze statue honoring coach Bill McCartney for his 1990 national championship.
  • The statue, financed by former players, stands near the Buffaloes' practice field, honoring McCartney's legacy.
  • McCartney, who died January 10th, led Colorado to a 93-55-5 record and a shared national title.
  • A ceremony preceded the public display, attended by family, players, and coach Deion Sanders.

On Friday, Colorado revealed a bronze statue dedicated to the late football coach Bill McCartney, celebrating the program's most successful coach and the mastermind behind its 1990 national championship victory.

Positioned in the northeast corner of the Buffaloes' practice field, beneath Folsom Field's shadow, the 8½-foot statue was financed by former players.

McCartney, who passed away on January 10th at the age of 84, was the head coach for Colorado, achieving a 93-55-5 record between 1982 and 1994. He also led the Buffaloes to an 11-1-1 season, resulting in a shared national championship in 1990.

Before Saturday's home finale versus Arizona State, a private ceremony took place, with McCartney's family, past players, coach Deion Sanders, and the current team in attendance, followed by a public display.

“He had a vision. He could lift you to heights you couldn’t lift yourself,” former CU linebacker Barry Remington told AP. 

Sanders referred to the statue as “un-darn-believable,” and expressed a desire for it to be “in the center of campus.”

The granite foundation features a quote from McCartney: “Big Dreams Create the Magic That Stir Men’s Souls to Greatness.” A fitting tribute to an individual who impacted numerous lives in Boulder. 

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Editorial Team