When people speak of Coach Gene Stallings, they often remember the championships, the victories, and the grit of Alabama football. But when Coach himself reflects on his life, his thoughts go first not to trophies, but to his son, John Mark.
Born June 11, 1962, in Tuscaloosa, John Mark—“Johnny” to those who loved him—entered the world with Down syndrome. Doctors at the time gave grim predictions, but his life defied them all. He lived to be 46 years old, passing away on August 2, 2008. For every one of those years, he left a mark that continues to inspire.
Coach Stallings never hesitates when asked about his son. He’s quick to tell stories, quick to smile at the memories, quick to point out the lessons Johnny taught him. Once, when asked the single most important thing he learned from John Mark, Coach’s answer was simple, yet profound:
“Do the best you can do with what the Lord gives you. Be kind to others and don’t complain. Love everybody. John Mark wasn’t a star athlete or a movie star, but Johnny did his best with what he had.”
The stories he tells carry that wisdom. One is joyful, the other heartbreaking.
The joyful one comes from January 1, 1993—the night Alabama defeated Miami in the Sugar Bowl to claim the national championship. After a long day filled with interviews and celebrations, a worn-out Coach Stallings finally made his way to the team buses outside the Superdome. He sank into his seat at the front, ready to head back to the hotel. “OK, let’s go,” he told an assistant, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
“Uh, we can’t leave yet, Coach,” the assistant replied.
“Why not?” Stallings asked, irritation in his tone.
“Because John Mark is in the middle of that crowd signing autographs.”
It was a moment that spoke volumes. The coach, fresh from a national championship, found himself waiting on his son—his son with Down syndrome—to finish signing autographs for adoring fans. For John Mark, the spotlight of kindness was as natural as breathing.
The heartbreaking story came 15 years later, on August 1, 2008. John Mark was struggling to breathe. His oxygen level had dipped dangerously low. His father sat by his side. “How are you doing, Johnny?” Coach asked gently.
“I’ll never complain again,” Coach Stallings said afterward. “Here was a man with Down syndrome who never complained, and he was kind to everyone. That’s the biggest lesson I learned from my son. Just do the best with what you have.”
Today, John Mark would be 63 years old if he were still here. Yet in many ways, his spirit remains. For those who knew him, he is remembered for his warmth, his kindness, his resilience. For his father, he remains a daily reminder of what truly matters—not championships, not fame, but love.
Coach Stallings often says he feels blessed to have had 46 years with his son. And for those who hear his stories, the blessing extends further: a chance to learn from John Mark’s example.
Because if heaven has a crowd gathered around today, you can be sure of one thing. John Mark Stallings is in the middle of it, smiling, kind as ever, signing autographs all day long.
