Letter to the Editor: Eighinger column item about ‘Necessary Roughness’ brings back memories

I read and enjoy Steve Eighinger’s column daily and often pass on many to family and friends, as I am doing with his item on the film, “Necessary Roughness.” Brought back many grand memories! 

It was filmed during the summer in our town of Denton, Texas (since 1973). The whole family was “in” the film. My oldest son, Rudy Allyn, along with many others were recruited from the University of North Texas Mean Green Marching Band. He was paid as an extra for six weeks to spend mostly nights filming their contribution. He is in a group shot in second seated row from the top on the left and in the crowd circle at the end of the film.

My wife Jean Ann was one of the extras in the crowd scenes during the game (sitting among plywood cutouts with attached fabric to expand the crowd. We got some freebies. My youngest son and friends during the day gathered autographs from many of the pro athletes you mentioned (the most cherished was Jerry Rice’s).     

Here is a link to a story, “Necessary Roughness Turns 30.” The film, released Sept. 27, 1991, was mostly shot at the University of North Texas plus other town locations. The article has links to an earlier story and photo gallery.

Rudy Ray Seward
Professor Emeritus of Sociology
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas