Rudy Ruettiger

Against all odds on a gridiron is South Bend, Indiana, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger carved his name into history books as perhaps the most inspiring graduate of the University of Notre Dame. As fans cheered “RU-DY!, RU-DY!,” (which is now considered to be the underdog chant of a lifetime) this “five foot nothin’, a hundred and nothin’… without a speck of athletic ability”,  sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. He is the first player in the school's history to be carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates.

As the son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. 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. 

In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized Rudy’s life story with the blockbuster film, RUDY. Written and Directed by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the award-winning team who brought us HOOSIERS, the critically acclaimed RUDY received "Two Thumbs Up" from Siskel and Ebert, is considered one of the “Most Inspirational Movies of All Time” by Fandango, IMBD, Ranker and countless other websites. USA TODAY ranked RUDY as the #1 “Best Football Movie of All Time.” The film continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Today, RUDY RUETTIGER is an Emmy Award Winning Motivational Keynote Speaker, author, and producer with over 25 years of Experience speaking to Corporations, Universities, Sports Teams, and Special Events. His captivating personality and powerful message of “NEVER QUIT” and “YES I CAN” comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph and lasts a lifetime. Time and time again, Rudy's appearances receive thunderous applause and standing ovations as he inspires groups of 200 to 20,000 around the world. 

Recently, Rudy offered his message in his original production, DREAM BIG: Rudy Ruettiger Live on Broadway, presented at the Samuel Friedman Theatre, along with his daughter Jessica Noel Ruettiger who made her Broadway debut performing her original song, “This Is My Dream” in the show’s finale. Dream Big has plans to tour to other cities including Chicago, Boston, and Las Vegas. 

In Celebration of the 25^th ANNIVERSARY of the Movie RUDY, the film was presented on the big screen at the Microsoft Theatre in LA while the Famous Hollywood Orchestra performed the film’s musical score live in perfect time during a sold-out screening of the film.

Rudy’s candid nature and willingness to connect with every person he meets with a bold, refreshing and relevant message has poised him to exemplify his message in his real life, over-coming obstacles, persevering through adversity and making every second count. He is a willing, able and inspirational speaker who is looking forward to being a part of your next event. Millions have been inspired by the movie RUDY, now let the man behind the movie inspire you. 

He co-founded the RUDY FOUNDATION, whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts. The focus of the Rudy Foundation is to make a positive impact by bringing people together cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. 

The RUDY AWARDS™ is another program The Rudy Foundation developed to recognize children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best everyday, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their dreams and build the qualities of character, courage, and commitment in their lives. The RUDY AWARDS™ is about a child's heart, will to change, and desire for self-improvement. Rudy has two awesome children; Jessica Noel Ruettiger and Daniel Joseph Ruettiger.