Film Highlights Legendary Football Coach’s Faith And Mission To ‘Do Right’
(REVIEW) “Do Right: The Stallings Standard” is a heartfelt documentary that focuses on the life of former football coach Gene Stallings.
The film primarily shows his time as head coach with Texas A&M University (1965-1971) and the University of Alabama (1990-1996) and highlights the 1992 championship season, where Alabama defeated Miami to finish a perfect 13-0.
However, the film goes deeper than just football.
There’s plenty of game footage and interviews with former coaches, players and media personalities that are guaranteed to bring back memories for fans, but the spotlight is on Stallings, now 89, as a person. Although strict, Stallings’ leadership style helped his players on and off the field.
Producers Chandra Clark and Michael Bruce, University of Alabama journalism and creative media professors, delve into Stallings’ life through interviews with several family members and friends.
The documentary — which first took shape in 2016, during a reunion with former players — focuses on Stallings’ values, especially his mantra of “doing right.” It shows how that idea shaped everything in his life, from the way he coached his players to how he treated family.
“I originally didn’t set out to do this,” Clark said. “There were a lot of far-reaching connections, and I wasn’t sure if we could do it, but what I’m most proud of is helping people understand what these families go through.”
The entrance to the RISE Center on the campus of the University of Alabama features a photo and statuette of Gene Stallings with his son, John Mark. The same statuette is given to recipients of the annual Stallings Awards in Dallas. (Photo provided by Chandra Clark)
There’s a touching part of the documentary about Stallings’ relationship with his son, John Mark, who had Down syndrome. Stallings became more sensitive and understanding once his son was born and shaped who he became as a father and coach.
John Mark, who was known as “Johnny,” died in 2008 at 46 years old. His death left a void within Stallings, but the life John Mark lived transformed how his father and others saw people with disabilities.
Clark and Bruce go in-depth with RISE Centers across the southeast that primarily provide children with disabilities an education and tools they need to succeed. The RISE Center in Tuscaloosa is aptly located on Johnny Stallings Drive.
“I hope this raises awareness for children and adults with special needs,” Bruce said. “I hope this shows that their lives are just as worthy as everyone else. I feel privileged to be able to tell this story.”
The film is a tribute to a man who left a legacy not only on the field, but in the hearts of others. It’s easily shown through the interviews how much respect and admiration Stallings garnered. Even for non-sports fans, the stories about integrity, perseverance and friendship hit home.
Stallings is an active member within Churches of Christ, attending the Lamar Avenue congregation in Paris, Texas, and has always done his part to help. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Stallings attended University Church of Christ. When the April 2011 tornadoes struck the town, Stallings knew he had to help and donated time and energy toward the relief effort. A plaque recognizing Stallings for his efforts during that tragic time hangs in the rebuilt Central Church of Christ, where Clark is a member.
“Do Right: The Stallings Standard” is a feel-good tribute. Fans of football, especially the Crimson Tide, will enjoy the highlights shown throughout the film. But it also serves as a reminder that success is about more than just winning — it’s about “doing right” by others.
The documentary premieres Sept. 26 at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa and has additional limited showings scheduled in Florence, Alabama, and Paris, Texas. Check here for available showings.
This piece is republished from The Christian Chronicle.
John McWilliams is a public relations professional with a background as an award-winning journalist. He is an active member within the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ.