Legendary Alabama Football Practice Official Eddie Conyers Dies at 97

Conyers spent over six decades with the Crimson Tide program, working under 10 different head coaches.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:31pm

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Eddie Conyers, a legendary figure in Alabama's football program who spent more than six decades as the Crimson Tide's football practice official, has passed away at the age of 97. Conyers began officiating practices for Alabama under legendary head coach Paul W. 'Bear' Bryant in 1962 and went on to officiate under 10 different Alabama head coaches and 12 national championship teams.

Why it matters

Conyers was an iconic and beloved figure within the Alabama football program, serving as a constant presence through decades of success and change. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a true Crimson Tide legend.

The details

Conyers agreed to step off the field once he reached his early 90s, at which point he took over a new role as a practice official coordinator. He was born on April 5th, 1928, in Montgomery, Alabama, and went on to graduate from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1946 before serving in the US Navy from 1946-1948 and again during the Korean War from 1952-1954.

  • Conyers began officiating practices for Alabama under legendary head coach Paul W. 'Bear' Bryant in 1962.
  • Conyers officiated under 10 different Alabama head coaches and 12 national championship teams.
  • Conyers agreed to step off the field once he reached his early 90s, at which point he took over a new role as a practice official coordinator.
  • Conyers passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 97.

The players

Eddie Conyers

A legendary figure in Alabama's football program who spent more than six decades as the Crimson Tide's football practice official.

Paul W. 'Bear' Bryant

The legendary head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team from 1957 to 1982.

Jeff Allen

The current Alabama football trainer who announced Conyers' passing on X (formerly Twitter).

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What they’re saying

“We lost a true Alabama legend today. Eddie Conyers was a remarkable man who was a part of this program from Coach Bryant's first years until this season. I will always cherish the conversations we had at practice for the past 19 seasons. He loved Alabama, and he loved our players.”

— Jeff Allen, Alabama Football Trainer

The takeaway

Eddie Conyers' passing marks the end of an era for Alabama football, as he was a constant and beloved presence for over six decades, serving under 10 different head coaches and 12 national championship teams. His dedication and love for the Crimson Tide program will be deeply missed.