Tom Pelphrey Instagram – Don Crowder is the most fun I’ve had playing a role since college. At roughly 5’8, 150lbs- “Crazy Crowder” was a running back at SMU. He had to be a tough guy, because he wasn’t a big guy. He bulked up to 190lbs- was offered a tryout with the then Washington Redskins. Team doc refused him because of an ocular fracture (broken eye bones) from college ball coupled with his size. He then turned to law. A massive personality, by all accounts he was extremely involved in the community- mentoring and coaching many of the local children. He went for long runs and would sun tan on the roof of the law firm at lunch. He had personality.
I got to speak with and spend time with Robert Udashen (pictured above). Robert was Don’s law partner for years, and his friend. He was kind enough to share this story with me (amongst others), and I wanted to share as I feel it perfectly encapsulates everything I learned about Don.
Don and Robert were coaching their respective daughters’ basketball teams. So Don has a squad of 8-9 year olds, and he challenges Robert’s team of 12-13 year olds to a scrimmage game. Robert accepts- and his older girls tower over Don’s team. They’re so much taller. During this friendly scrimmage, Robert said, ‘Don was running up and down the court all game- yelling out to the girls, and he coached that game like his life depended on it!!’ Ultimately Robert’s team won… but not without a fight.
He loved kids. He gave back to his community. He didn’t mind being the underdog. He played to win.
I hope he would’ve liked it. I loved every minute of doing it.
#loveanddeath @streamonmax @robertudashen #doncrowder | Posted on 22/Jun/2023 01:57:12
