Rudy Ruettiger

Against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger in twenty-seven seconds, carved his name into history books as perhaps the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the nation’s best example of a true underdog success story of defeating the odds through perseverance. The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacle of success. Today, Rudy is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream – to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered his name… RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play, in the only game, of his college football career. He is the only player in the school’s history to be carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders. In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, RUDY. Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the award-winning team who brought us HOOSIERS, and starring the endearing Sean Astin in the title role, the critically acclaimed RUDY received “Two Thumbs Up” from Siskel and Ebert and continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Today, as an Emmy Award Winning and highly sought-after motivational speaker, Rudy entertains audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He speaks to corporations, universities, school children, sports teams and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of “Dream Big & Never Quit” stays with his audiences forever. Rudy’s opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant RU-DY, RU-DY!

Rudy has appeared on numerous nationally televised talk shows & radio shows across the country. He’s also featured in national magazines and has been honored with the key to many cities in the United States with special proclamations for his inspiration, commitment, and human spirit. Rudy received a Honorary Doctorate Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College and the Distinguished American Award. He also received a Proclamation from the Governor of Nevada granting an Official Rudy Award Day, was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, and spoke at the White House during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Recently Rudy performed his one-man show, DREAM BIG – RUDY RUETTIGER LIVE ON BROADWAY at the Samuel Friedman theatre in New York. In addition, Rudy’s new documentary titled, DREAM BIG – THE WALK ON won several Emmy Awards for Best Director and Best Documentary. The link is available on Amazon Prime (Search “Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On.”)

In Celebration of the 25th ANNIVERSARY of the Movie RUDY, the film was presented on the big screen at the Microsoft Theatre in LA while the musical score was performed live by the Hollywood Orchestra. RUDY IN CONCERT now performs at various locations across the country.

Millions have been inspired by the movie RUDY, now let the man behind the movie inspire YOU!

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