Rudy Ruettiger

“The story of 'Rudy' has almost transcended me. I'm the representation, but there are so many people out there that identify with it.”

“I wanted to bring that message to people that you can change at any time once you decide to make that change.”

“The only reason I wanted to go to college was so I could go to Notre Dame, and so after I graduate from Notre Dame I could go to heaven.”

“Learn to work with the integrity of your vision, not for how much money you can make and the big house.”

“There's always a way to get where you want to go if you're willing to pay the price.”

“I think my story captured a wonderful feeling inside all of us. It's a dream that we can all do it. It's all possible.”

“If you have the dream, the belief and the faith, you can go anywhere.”

“You've got to eliminate the confusion in your life. And eliminate the excuses.”

“Getting what you want is only a problem if you have nowhere to go next.”

“I don't look at it like I'm a legend.”

“A lot of people take things for granted.”

“Patience is key, as long as you have a purpose.”

“You don't quit on who you are.”

“That's another question I get all the time: 'Hey, Rudy, how the hell could you even afford to go to college?' The G.I. Bill.”

“Dreaming is a lifetime occupation.”

“The biggest thing is to keep getting up.”

“You don't have to be an All-American. You just have to have character and courage, and I take that message very seriously.”

“Don't be a taker, be a giver, because when you give you get back.”

“People say I'm a pain in the rear, but we surrender to people who say we are pains the rear.”

“You control your behavior by controlling your thoughts.”