Tributes flooded social media after the passing of Bill McCartney, best-known as a Colorado football coach and the founder of the Christian men’s conference Promise Keepers. McCartney’s family shared the news of his passing in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill McCartney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully at the age of 84 after a courageous journey with Dementia,” the family shared. The statement added that McCartney had, “surrendered his life to Jesus at 33 years old setting a trajectory for our family and many others.” The family shared their own affirmation in their father’s faith and belief that McCartney was now reunited with is deceased wife, Lynne Marie, who passed away in 2013.

Born August 22, 1940, in Riverview, MI, McCartney excelled in a number of sports. He attended the University of Missouri on a scholarship. McCartney coached the University of Colorado football team for 12 years, retiring in 1994 to focus on his family and faith. He was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame and stands as the only coach to lead the University of Colorado to a state championship. After his retirement, he turned his focus to Promise Keepers, which he had started in 1990. The group focused on biblical manhood, with its first event in 1990 resulting in the gathering of 4,000 men at the University of Colorado’s basketball arena. In 1997, Promise Keepers hosted an event at the Washington, DC National Mall that included anywhere from 750,000 to over 1 million men.

Former pro football player and current head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders, posted a tribute to McCartney on social media. “Coach Mac was an absolute legend on and off the field,” wrote Sanders. “He took CU to the top of college football and he is fully ingrained in every fiber of the history of this program. I first knew of his impact becoming close with several former Buffs throughout my NFL career. He produced great football players but better men.” He wrote that he had met with McCartney before taking on the job. “The thing I admire most about Coach Mac is that he was unapologetically himself. Many of the characters he valued are what we are using to get this program back to the level he attained.”