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Meet Eddie Conyers, the 97-Year-Old Heart of Alabama Football for 6 Decades

From practice referee to mentor, Eddie Conyers has seen it all. His calm demeanor and dedication have made him an integral part of Alabama football history.

In this image we can see a person playing with football.
In this image we can see a person playing with football.

Meet Eddie Conyers, the 97-Year-Old Heart of Alabama Football for 6 Decades

Eddie Conyers, a 97-year-old Navy veteran, has been a constant presence at the University of Alabama's football team practices for over six decades. He started as a practice referee in the 1960s, a role he pioneered at the request of legendary coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant. Conyers has since seen the team win 18 national championships and continues to attend practices and wave off the team at the airport before away games, accompanied by his wife of 76 years.

Conyers' influence extends beyond the field. He transitioned to an off-field role, overseeing practice officials' scheduling and mentoring them. Known for his calm demeanor, he has been instrumental in buffering tension between coaches and officials. Over the years, he has thrown flags at some of the best players to take the field, including Joe Namath, Kenny 'Snake' Stabler, Jalen Hurts, and Derrick Henry. Conyers has also worked under another legendary coach, Nick Saban, further cementing his place in Alabama football history.

Off the field, Conyers has a close relationship with athletic trainer Jeff Allen. Together, they travel the state, speaking to civic groups and athletic booster clubs. Before his time at Alabama, Conyers worked in the College of Continuing Education as an assistant to the dean.

Eddie Conyers' dedication and service to the University of Alabama football team span over six decades. From his early days as a practice referee to his current off-field roles, he has been a constant, calming presence. His influence has shaped the team and its culture, contributing to its success on and off the field.

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