Eddie Conyers, a Crimson Tide legend who assisted in officiating Alabama football practices from the Bear Bryant era until last season at the age of 97, passed away.

Alabama football is mourning the loss of a quiet giant whose impact spanned generations. Eddie Conyers, a true Crimson Tide legend, has passed away after a lifetime of service to the program he loved. Conyers, who assisted in officiating Alabama football practices from the legendary Bear Bryant era all the way through last season, remained active until the remarkable age of 97, leaving behind a legacy defined by loyalty, humility, and unwavering commitment.

Few individuals in college football history can claim the breadth of experience Eddie Conyers carried. He witnessed Alabama football evolve through multiple eras, dynasties, rule changes, and coaching staffs, yet the core values he upheld never changed. From the gravel-voiced intensity of Coach Bryant to the modern precision of today’s practices, Conyers was a constant presence on the field — a living bridge between Alabama’s past and present.

Those who worked alongside him often described Conyers as the “heartbeat” of practice. His role in officiating drills brought consistency, discipline, and fairness, ensuring that standards were upheld regardless of era or personnel. Players and coaches alike respected him not because of his title, but because of his presence — calm, authoritative, and deeply rooted in Alabama tradition.

Generations of players remember Conyers as more than an official; he was a teacher and a symbol. Young athletes who never met Bear Bryant still felt his influence through Eddie Conyers, whose stories, mannerisms, and expectations carried the old-school Crimson Tide spirit forward. In many ways, he was history in motion, reminding everyone on the field what it meant to wear the script “A.”

Even in his later years, Conyers’ dedication never wavered. At an age when most would have long since stepped away, he continued to show up, rain or shine, driven purely by love for the program. His presence last season at 97 years old was a testament to a life built around service, passion, and pride in Alabama football.

Eddie Conyers’ passing leaves a profound void in Tuscaloosa, but his legacy will endure forever. He didn’t score touchdowns or call plays, yet his influence is woven into every era of Crimson Tide success. Alabama didn’t just lose a longtime practice official — it lost a guardian of its soul. 🐘💔