Watch Against the Tide

Against the Tide is a documentary that chronicles the life and legacy of former University of Alabama football coach, Gene Stallings. Stallings is an iconic figure in college football history, having been a part of the sport for over five decades. He played for the University of Texas before becoming an assistant coach for the legendary head coach, Bear Bryant. Stallings eventually took over as the head coach at his alma mater and led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1992.

The documentary begins by introducing Stallings and his accomplishments in the world of football. It then delves into his personal life, beginning with his childhood in Paris, Texas. Stallings had a difficult upbringing with parents who were abusive and neglectful. Despite these challenges, he excelled in football and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Texas.

The film explores Stallings' time at Texas as a player and his subsequent role as a coach under Bryant. Stallings' loyalty to Bryant is evident throughout the documentary, and he credits much of his success to the lessons he learned from his mentor. After leaving Texas, Stallings became the head coach at Texas A&M before eventually returning to Alabama to take over for Bryant.

Against the Tide also highlights Stallings' time at Alabama and his national championship-winning season in 1992. The team faced several challenges that season, including injuries and a difficult schedule, but Stallings' leadership and determination propelled them to victory. The documentary features interviews with many of Stallings' former players, who speak fondly of their coach and the impact he had on their lives both on and off the field.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it delves into Stallings' personal life. He and his wife, Ruth Ann, had a son named John Mark who was born with Down Syndrome. The film explores the challenges the family faced in raising a child with special needs, and how John Mark's life and death ultimately led to their involvement in charitable causes related to Down Syndrome. Don Keith, one of the film's producers, has a personal connection to Stallings and Down Syndrome, as his daughter has the condition.

Against the Tide also touches on Stallings' time after coaching, including his work as an advocate for organ donation. Stallings' son, John Mark, passed away while waiting for a heart transplant, and the experience motivated Stallings to become involved in raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. The documentary features interviews with organ donor recipients who credit Stallings' advocacy work with saving their lives.

Overall, Against the Tide is a moving and inspiring film that explores the life of a true legend in the world of football. Stallings' legacy extends far beyond his success on the field, and the film does an excellent job of showcasing his character, resilience, and compassion. Anyone who loves college football or is interested in personal stories of triumph over adversity will find this documentary to be a must-watch.