Bill McCartney, Founder of Promise Keepers, Dies at 84, ‘His Life Impacted Millions’

Bill McCartney is a football coach who led Colorado State to a national championship in college football. most well known He was a member of the evangelical circle that helped found the Promise Keepers men's ministry, and died on January 10. He passed away at the age of 84. McCartney made a name for himself in the sports world as head coach at the University of Colorado from the 1980s to 1990, building a powerhouse school by leading the Buffaloes to two national title bowl games and winning one of them. That same year, McCartney led Colorado to the national title. — 1990 — He started Promise Keepers. He also wrote a series of Christian books, including: sold out and sold outwhich he co-authored with his wife Lynn (Lindy).

He retired after the 1994 season at the peak of his coaching career, emphasizing the need to focus more on his family and his faith. That season, the Buffaloes lost just one game and finished 11-1. he later inducted into the Hall of Fame College Football Hall of Famer.

“We are sad to announce that our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Bill McCartney, has passed away peacefully at the age of 84 after a courageous journey with dementia,” the family said in a statement. This is very sad,” he said in a statement.

“Our father gave his life to Jesus at the age of 33, setting the course for our family and many others. I truly believe that he gave it to me.” We met again I am in heaven with my beloved bride and our mother, Lynn Marie. ”

At its peak in 1997, Promise Keepers' rallies on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., attracted at least 750,000 people, with some estimates putting the number at over 1 million. The men at the rally wore T-shirts that proclaimed, “Real Men Love Jesus.” They then decorated the car with a bumper sticker that declared, “I love my wife.”

McCartney founded this ministry to deepen men's faith and strengthen marriages and families.

“We are Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Independent. Anyone who mentions the name of Jesuswho We are those who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, love Him with all our heart, and receive Him in spirit. do we agree to that? he asked, and there was a huge cheer.

similar gathering was held in packed or near-full arenas and stadiums across the country.

“One person sharpens another,” he said in 2003 of the department's purpose.

McCartney's family said in a statement that McCartney “touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith.” Ta.

“Coach Mack deeply believed that investing in local churches is the most effective way to transform communities.” said the family statement. “I would like to pay tribute to his legacy and in instead of Please consider flowers. make a donation — Beyond the usual tithes and offerings — to the local church in Bill's name. ”

The official Promise Keepers Facebook page said of the founder, “His life touched millions of people.”

rest in peace pic.twitter.com/CJdNX0F6vr

— Coach Prime (@DeionSanders) January 11, 2025

Current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said McCartney's influence has been immeasurable.

“He produced great football players, but he produced even better human beings.” Sanders said.

Legend of the game. A legacy that will live on forever.

Rest in peace Coach Mac🪽https://t.co/sSXySmmlZb pic.twitter.com/RKZqHvIZdl

— Colorado Buffaloes (@CUBuffs) January 11, 2025

Photo credit: ©X/coach prime

michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.

First publication date is January 13, 2025.