Two decades removed from roaming the Crimson Tide sidelines, Stallings remains among the most beloved figures in program history in part to the 1992 championship and his outreach to the Tuscaloosa community.

Fresh off the news of Coach Stallings’ hospitalization, former Alabama fullback Martin Houston dedicated Tuesday’s edition of The Blitz to offer his well wishes as well as messages from audience members to Coach Stallings.

Houston was a fullback for the Crimson Tide from 1989-1992 and played three of his four seasons under Stallings. He totaled 1,042 rushing yards on 235 carries and rushed for five career touchdowns.

While Houston played a large role on the 1992 national championship team as the starting fullback, the host of The Blitz reminded listeners of the biggest impact that Stallings made on his life.

“I had some key people as influencers in my life but none more influential than you coach. The man that I am today in many ways in how I love my wife, how I love my children and how I’m there for my family stems back to the model and the example that you shared and that you gave to me and so many of my teammates on how to love your wife, how to lover your children, how to be there for them and then how to treat people outside of that circle as well.” Houston said.

The former Alabama fullback also examined various topics relating to Gene Stallings including his philosophy of coaching players and how the legacy of the 1992 national championship team serves as a bridge from Coach Bryant’s teams in the past to Nick Saban’s teams today.

“I think the ’92 team kind of has that special place because we’re kind of the bridge team between the greatest two coaches of all-time.” Houston said.

The Blitz kicks off live and local coverage of Alabama sports Monday through Friday from 6-7 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the Tide 102.9 app.

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