Colorado's "Governor" Camden Dempsey pays 3-word tribute to CU legend Bill McCartney after he passes away at 84

Colorado long snapper Camden Dempsey shared a heartfelt tribute to former CU coach Bill McCartney, who passed away on Friday. Dempsey, often referred to as the "Governor" of Colorado, honored McCartney on his Instagram story after learning of Coach Mac's death.

"Pride and tradition," Dempsey commented on the post of his IG story.

Camden Dempsey reposted the Colorado Buffaloes's post on the passing of former coach Bill McCartney. (Credits: IG/Camden Dempsey)

McCartney was 84 at the time of his passing. The family announced that his cause of death was due to complications of dementia.

Bill McCartney is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in Colorado. He coached the Buffs's football team for 13 seasons, from 1982 to 1994. Coach Mac compiled a 93–55–5 (.624) record with the team and won three consecutive Big Eight Conference titles. He also had a 3-6 record in bowl games.

As per reports, McCartney's Buffs were crowned national champions in 1990 by the Associated Press. They split the title with Georgia Tech, who were first in the Coaches' Poll.

Bill McCartney also coached the basketball teams of Holy Redeemer High School (MI) and Divine Child High School (MI). In 2013, McCartney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach.

Dempsey, who has become quite a fan favorite in Colorado over the past few years, ensured that he paid tribute to McCartney on Friday after the legendary coach's passing.

Camden Dempsey did not see game action for Colorado Buffaloes in the 2024 season

Despite being a popular figure at Colorado, Camden Dempsey did not play a single game for the Buffs in the 2024 season. CU coach Deion Sanders did not use the long snapper.

However, Dempsey's personality and presence around the Colorado camp energized the Buffs throughout the season. Colorado finished 2024 with a 9-4 record.

Dempsey redshirted his freshman year at Colorado in 2021. He then did not see game action in the 2022 season. The long snapper made his first and only appearance for Colorado Buffaloes on special teams on a field goal block against Arizona in Week 10 of the 2023 season.

Whether Camden Dempsey will return to Colorado for his senior year in 2025 or transfer elsewhere to get game action under his belt remains to be seen.