Edward Codrington Carrington was an American lawyer and professional football player. A University of Virginia football standout and All-Atlantic Coast Conference tight end, he played for the Houston Oilers before becoming a corporate and real estate attorney and principal partner of the Houston firm Bonham, Carrington and Fox.
Background
Edward Codrington Carrington was born in Beaumont, Texas, on September 1, 1944. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he participated in football, basketball, and baseball and graduated in 1963. He was a three-year letterman in football and basketball, served as a football co-captain, and was later inducted into the school's athletics hall of fame. At the University of Virginia, he became active in student leadership and university life while competing in varsity football.
Education
Carrington graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1963 and then attended the University of Virginia from 1963 through 1966. He lettered three years in football, was elected president of the Class of 1967, and participated in university societies and student activities. He later earned a law degree from the University of Houston, preparing for a legal career in Houston after his professional football career.
Career
Carrington began his professional life in football after being selected by the Houston Oilers in the seventh round of the 1967 NFL/AFL draft. He spent the 1967 season on the Oilers' taxi squad, appeared in one game in 1968, and played in all 14 games of the 1969 season as a tight end. The Oilers released him in 1970. He subsequently practiced law in Houston, becoming a corporate and real estate attorney and principal partner of Bonham, Carrington and Fox, the firm founded with William Bonham and Wayne Fox. The firm opened in 1971 and grew into a substantial Houston practice. Carrington remained associated with the firm until his death in 1986.
Achievements
Selected first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference at tight end in 1966.
Set a University of Virginia single-game record with four touchdown receptions in the 1965 victory over Maryland.
Was elected president of the University of Virginia Class of 1967.
Was selected by the Houston Oilers in the seventh round of the 1967 NFL/AFL draft.
Became principal partner of Bonham, Carrington and Fox, a Houston law firm he helped establish.
Was inducted into the Episcopal High School athletics hall of fame in 1993.
Membership
Carrington maintained a strong connection with the University of Virginia after graduation. He served as president of the Houston chapter of the university's Alumni Association, chaired the alumni affairs committee of the Arts and Sciences Alumni Council, and served on the Alumni Association's Board of Managers. During his university years, he belonged to the IMP and Eli Banana societies and was also a member of the Seven Society.
Member during his years at the University of Virginia.
IMP
,
United States
Member during his years at the University of Virginia.
Eli Banana
,
United States
Membership was disclosed after his death.
Seven Society
,
United States
1986
Served as president of the Houston chapter, chaired the alumni affairs committee of the Arts and Sciences Alumni Council, and served on the Alumni Association's Board of Managers.
University of Virginia Alumni Association
,
United States
1986
Personality
Carrington was described by the University of Virginia memorial foundation as warm and humorous. His documented university and alumni activities also reflect sustained engagement with student leadership, athletics, and the university community.
Physical Characteristics:
He was listed at 6 feet 4 inches and approximately 220 pounds during his football career.
Quotes from others about the person
He was remembered as a person of warmth and humor whose devotion to the University of Virginia continued through alumni leadership and service.
Interests
Carrington participated in alumni affairs, university service, and rock climbing. He died in a rock-climbing accident in Grand Teton National Park.
Sport & Clubs
Football, basketball, and baseball.
Connections
Carrington was a close friend and university associate of Pete Gray, with whom he shared experiences at Episcopal High School and the University of Virginia. Their shared athletic and university commitments led to the creation of the Gray-Carrington Scholarship Award, which commemorates both men and supports students connected with the University of Virginia.
References
Gray-Carrington Memorial Foundation, About Pete and Ed
Documents Carrington's education, athletic career, student leadership, university societies, professional football career, law degree, legal practice, alumni service, personality, and death.
Pro Football Archives, Ed Carrington
Documents Carrington's full name, birth and death details, education, football position, college career, draft selection, and Houston Oilers participation.
