Rudy Ruettiger

RU-DY! RU-DY! RU-DY! Sports Motivational Speaker Rudy Ruettiger is an inspirational sports figure best remembered for his time spent as a football player for the University of Notre Dame. His story of perseverance was immortalized in the 1993 major motion picture Rudy starring Sean Astin. Rudy is now a highly touted motivational speaker who has shared his story at major corporate functions as well as university speaker series and fundraisers. Rudy grew up in a blue collar family and served two years in the Navy before pursuing his dream to attend college and play football at the University of Notre Dame. He was initially denied acceptance to the university and spent the first two years of his college education at nearby Holy Cross College. When he was finally accepted in 1974, Rudy worked his way onto the scout team at Notre Dame. At 5’6, 165 lbs., Rudy was undersized for college football but his heart and incredible work ethic made up for his lack of size. In his final game as a senior, Rudy was allowed to dress and participated in 3 plays against Georgia Tech. On the final play of the game, Rudy sacked the quarterback much to the delight of everyone in attendance. Rudy is one of only two Notre Dame players ever to be carried off the field by their teammates. Since his days at Notre Dame, Sports Motivational Speaker Rudy Ruettiger has published 3 books titled Rudy’s Insights for Winning in Life, Rudy’s Lessons for Young Champions and Rudy & Friends. He has been invited back to Notre Dame on numerous occasions for special ceremonies and inductions. Along with wife Cheryl, Rudy created the Rudy Foundation, a non-profit organization creating scholarship opportunities and sponsoring community programs for children and adults. Since 2008, the Rudy Foundation has awarded one Division 1 college player The College Football Rudy Award to the player who best demonstrates Rudy’s 4 C’s: character, courage, contribution and commitment.

Sports Motivational Speaker Rudy Ruettiger is available for a variety of personal appearances including keynote speaking engagements, meet & greets, moderated Q&A sessions and more.