Promise Keepers Founder: Bill McCartney’s Life Well Lived

Bill McCartney, Founder of Promise Keepers, Dies at 84

Bill McCartney, a former college football coach turned influential religious leader, passed away on January 10 at the age of 84. Known for his deep faith in Christ and his groundbreaking leadership of the Promise Keepers movement, McCartney left an enduring legacy that touched millions of lives. His family confirmed the news, sharing that he had battled dementia in his final years.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill McCartney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully,” the family said. “His unwavering faith in Christ and his commitment to serving God’s purpose defined his life.”

A Vision Rooted in Faith

The story of Promise Keepers began in March 1990, during a car ride from Boulder to Pueblo, Colorado. McCartney, then head coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes, was en route to speak at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet. During the drive, McCartney shared his burden for the spiritual decline among American men and the negative impact on families. His conversation with friend Dave Wardell birthed the vision for Promise Keepers—a movement to call men to a deeper commitment to Christ.

Within a year, Promise Keepers held its first major gathering, drawing 4,000 men to the University of Colorado’s basketball arena. This rapid growth reflected McCartney’s passionate faith and his conviction that a revival among men was essential for strengthening families and society. By the mid-1990s, the movement had expanded to fill stadiums across the nation, culminating in the 1997 “Stand in the Gap” rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where more than half a million men gathered to pray, worship, and commit their lives to God.

Championing Biblical Masculinity

At the heart of Promise Keepers was McCartney’s vision of biblical masculinity. He encouraged men to embrace humility, service, and leadership rooted in Christ-like love.

“A real man, a man’s man, is a Godly man,” McCartney declared at a 1995 press conference. “A real man is a man of substance, a man that’s vulnerable, a man who loves his wife, a man that has a passion for God, and is willing to lay down his life for Him.”

McCartney’s message resonated deeply within evangelical communities. He emphasized the importance of men taking responsibility for their families, living with integrity, and leading by example in their faith. His teachings inspired countless men to become better husbands, fathers, and followers of Christ.

A Call for Unity and Reconciliation

McCartney’s faith also drove him to address issues of racial reconciliation, a topic he viewed as integral to the gospel message. In the mid-1990s, Promise Keepers made racial unity a key focus, challenging the church to confront systemic racism and embrace the biblical mandate to love one another.

“Racism is an insidious monster,” McCartney said during a clergy rally in Atlanta in 1996. “You can’t say you love God and not love your brother.”

At the 1997 National Mall rally, McCartney reiterated that spiritual revival in America required unity across racial and denominational lines. His bold stance on these issues was not without controversy, as some critics within evangelical circles deemed the focus on race divisive. Nonetheless, McCartney remained steadfast, believing that true revival required the church to embody Christ’s love for all people.

From Football Coach to Spiritual Leader

Born on August 22, 1940, in Riverview, Michigan, McCartney excelled in sports and earned a football scholarship to the University of Missouri. After coaching stints at high schools and as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, McCartney became head coach at the University of Colorado in 1982. Over 12 seasons, he led the Buffaloes to national prominence, including a national championship in 1990.

McCartney’s faith played a pivotal role in his coaching career. A conversion experience in his 30s deepened his commitment to Christ and shaped his approach to leadership. Known as “Coach Mac,” he prioritized mentoring his players not just as athletes but as men of character.

In 1994, McCartney stepped down as head coach to devote more time to his family and to Promise Keepers. This decision reflected his belief in living out the principles he preached: putting faith and family first.

A Lasting Legacy

McCartney’s life was a testament to his faith in Christ. Former players and colleagues have spoken of his profound impact, both on and off the field. Rich George, University of Colorado athletic director, described him as “an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family, and being a good husband, father, and grandfather.”

Alfred Williams, a former Buffaloes star and NFL champion, said, “His unwavering faith and deep love for his family were the foundation of his life—values that always mattered more to him than the game itself.”

Final Years

McCartney’s later years were marked by his battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s, which his family announced in 2016. Despite his declining health, his legacy continued to inspire those who knew him.

McCartney is survived by four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Lynne, his wife of 50 years, in 2013.

A Life Devoted to Christ

Bill McCartney’s life was defined by his unwavering faith and his passion for helping others know Christ. From the football field to the national stage, he used his platform to call men to a higher standard of living rooted in biblical principles. As the founder of Promise Keepers, he inspired millions to pursue spiritual growth, strengthen their families, and live out the teachings of Jesus.

As his family’s statement beautifully expressed: “Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith.”

MORE STORIES