Deion Sanders' "More than Football" approach at Colorado similar to Bill McCartney

Coach Prime leaning on his faith and following in the footsteps of a CU legend

Well Off Media

The Colorado Buffaloes have become the talk of college football. My how things have changed. It reminds your scribe of the 1989 season. The Buffs, under Hall of Fame coach Bill McCartney, were undefeated and rising in the national polls. 

Much like today and Coach Prime’s crew, there were plenty of skeptics around the country believing the talented and undefeated Buffs were soon gonna meet their maker. And they did, In the form of a road test against the Oklahoma Sooners.

Colorado came into the game 7-0 and ranked #3 in the nation and Oklahoma was good but not great. Still, doubters thought the Sooners at home, where they had not lost to the Buffs since 1965, would prevail. I’ll never forget sitting on the Colorado team charter at Denver’s old Stapleton airport waiting for the players, coaches, and staff to board after arriving on buses from Boulder.

Big national build up for the game. Negatoids barking the Buffs weren’t up to the test. That was the storyline. The plane begins to rock a bit. The Buffs are boarding. Each and every person had on a black t-shirt. In big and bold gold letters across the front? THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

They sure had. The Buffs went into Norman, won 20-3, beat Nebraska the next week, won every regular season game, the Big 8 title and rose to #1 in the nation before losing a heartbreaking tussle with Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Buff mania? Alive and well back then. That was the “One Heart Beat” moment honoring the team’s tragically-deceased senior southpaw quarterback, Sal Aunese. The talented team rallied in magical ways. Great talent, character and resolve. 

As the “Buff Guy” for KCNC-TV Denver, the “Home of the Buffs” at the time, I had a front-row seat. Wonderful memories. Today? Many die-hard Colorado football fans have rose from the dung of late. They’ve been suffering long enough. Coach Prime’s spirit, talented transfer portal recruits and a genuine belief the future holds much promise, has Buff fans energized. 

When out and about, they make a point to shout “Go Buffs” and, often, we strike up conversations about comparing the glory years of the 90’s with the current success. The current edition has a way to go but the future looks bright. As Coach Prime says, “You better get us now.”

One of the first questions I’m asked? “How would you compare Coach Prime to Coach Mac?”

Honestly, it’s far too early. One season, not even half completed, versus thirteen campaigns involving a gradual and consistent buildup resulting in a national title and a pipeline of talent stocking NFL rosters for several years. However, during these welcomed conversations with the Colorado faithful, I do offer viewpoints clearly evident despite Sanders’ short-term at the foot of the Flatirons. 

McCartney and Sanders share three things in common: their strong faith, an ability to recruit, and a passion for taking young men under their wing. Yes, coaching young men in football but more important, mentoring concerning an even more important game, life beyond the gridiron.

The college football game has changed dramatically in the 30 years between the two coaches. I’m blessed these days the McCartney family allows me to hang out with my buddy, “Billy Mac from Hackensack” as he continues the good fight against Alzheimer’s. Trust me, the 83-year-old’s gonna fight to the finish. In a recent chat about the state of college football today, the Detroit native shakes his head in wonderment. Imagine. 

The Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders, thanks to NIL deals, makes FAR more money in a season than McCartney ever did as Colorado’s coach. Topic for another day. This much I do know. As the Buff faithful awaken from dormancy? Query about the coaches, past and present, leading these transformative times? Their faith, recruiting skills and a calling to mentor young men resonates loudly and is a cord of three strands not easily broken.

I’ll be honest to admit knowing more about Sanders’ “flash” and less about his substance. I know McCartney’s pretty well. In this category? The Hall of Famers are one heart beat in believing this is about more than football.