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.  The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success.  Today, he 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 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.  Rudy Ruettiger 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 critically acclaimed RUDY received “Two Thumbs Up” from Siskel and Ebert and continues to inspire millions worldwide.  Rudy served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, before returning home to Indiana to pursue his dream of attending Notre Dame.  Rudy is a passionate supporter of the military and all veterans.