Former Crimson Tide Lineman Bill Searcey Dead At 63

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Bill Searcey died Monday morning at the age of 63 , according to family, bringing to a close a harrowing life of triumphs over obstacles on and off the field.

Searcey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2018 and publicly fought the illness in the hopes of inspiring others. As recent as 2020, Bama Central's Tyler Martin reported that Searcey had suffered a seizure and stroke that left both of his pelvis bones broken. This came after an announcement in August 2019 that Searcey was cancer free.

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"We are comforted in the fact he is no longer in pain and has entered the gates of heaven," one family member said on social media before asking for prayers for Searcey's family, friends and teammates.

The former disciple of legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant was also a changed man who sought to inspire others after a career in football ultimately led to addiction and other problems off the field, which were detailed in his 2013 autobiography, "High Tide: A Story of Football, Freefall, and Forgiveness."

Services to remember Searcey's life had not been set as of the publication of this story.

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