Legendary former Colorado football coach Bill McCartney has been diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, his family announced Monday.
“We (his family) have been noticing memory issues for the past few years and he was recently diagnosed,” his family said in a statement. “He is receiving treatment and we are hoping this slows the progression of the disease. He is still the same Coach Mac – biking, golfing, supporting the Buffs and being an active member of his church.
“We are making this public to ask for your understanding and patience as we know he frequently runs into fans, friends and former players,” the family wrote. “This is a frustrating and confusing disease, and if he appears disconnected or unknowing, please don’t take it personally.
“Please keep Coach Mac in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult time.”
McCartney, 75, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, coached the CU Buffaloes to the national championship in 1990. He’s the winningest coach in CU Buffs history with a 93-55-5 record.
“Everybody knew he was serious about football,” said Alfred Williams, an all-American defensive end at CU under McCartney through 1990. “But he was more serious about his family and how the players were treated at the University of Colorado. He was a champion for every, every athlete at the University of Colorado, no matter color, religion, sex, it didn’t matter.”
Williams said he has talked to his former coach since his diagnosis.
“He said that he can’t remember everything, but his memory is good,” Williams said. “It’s a short-term memory. That area he struggles with. But long-term memory, no problem. Last time I talked with him, he’s a different guy. I just love the man.”
Late-onset according to the Mayo Clinic. It typically begins after age 65.
“I don’t feel sorry for him. I don’t think that he’d want that,” Williams said. “If you talk to him, he’d tell you that this is his next fight, the next game, the next opportunity to pull through.”
