Description:

Paul "Bear" Bryant
[Tuscaloosa, AL], n.d. but ca. 1969-1980
Roll Tide! Paul Bryant & F. David Matthews Co-Signed PSA Blank Athletics Achievement Certificate
DS

An athletic achievement certificate issued by the University of Alabama, blank and unused but pre-signed by Paul "Bear" Bryant (1913-1983), University of Alabama football coach then in his role as Director of Athletics, as "Paul Bryant"; and co-signed by University of Alabama president F. David Matthews (born 1935), as "David Matthews." N.d. but ca. 1969-1980, during Matthews's leadership. [Tuscaloosa, Alabama.] Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified authentic. The partly printed certificate reads: "In Recognition of / Outstanding Achievement in Athletics / [blank space left for recipient's name] / Has been duly elected and initiated to membership in the / A Club / University of Alabama." Bearing the University of Alabama seal and logo. Negligible blunting to corners, else near fine. The actual size of the certificate is 9.625" x 7.75" while the slab measures 13.125" x 9.75" x .25."

Though undated, this certificate probably dates from the 1970s, a decade of unparalleled success for the University of Alabama football program, which had become racially integrated in 1971. In this decade, 'Bama won the Southeastern Conference title every year except 1970 and 1976.

Paul Bryant served as the head coach of the University of Alabama football team from 1958 until his retirement in 1982. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, in recognition of his lifetime commitment to football, both as a player and a coach. Under Bryant's leadership, the Crimson Tide won six national championships and 14 conference titles.

Forrest David Matthews oversaw the University of Alabama from ca. 1969-1980. He also served as Gerald Ford's Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1975-1977.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: slabbed: 13.125" x 9.75" x .25"
  • Medium: DS

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May 6, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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