A biography for Rudy Ruettigerhasn’t been written yet.
“When people get inspired they go out and do things to make them who they want to be.”
“To my father, Notre Dame represented the underdogs of the world, the Italians, and the Polish people. I told him that one day I would play football for Notre Dame and worked hard to make that dream come true.”
“Everyone needs a consequence to be successful.”
“Now, I'm not positive 24 hours a day. I have my grieving moments. But when I go to a school to speak to a bunch of kids, I get pumped up.”
“People always need to hear good motivational speeches.”
“My main message to kids is to have confidence and believe in yourself.”
“Face life's obstacles and never give up on your dreams.”
“People sometimes just need inspiration to keep moving along, whether it's going to Notre Dame and being rejected, or taking a long time to bring a sports movie and Hollywood together, which took a long time for 'Rudy.'”
“In life, you have to take advantage of what you've been given.”
“What I really wanted more than anything was to be part of something.”
“When you are happy, successful people want to be around you.”
“I just want to let people know, 'Be what you want to be.'”
“I think every time I see a new audience, I get re-energized.”
“Luck doesn't happen. You create it.”
“I had no money, no grades, no athletic ability. Nothing but hope.”
“Eliminate the confusion in your life.”
“I love Tom Brady because he's a Rudy. He was drafted low, worked hard.”
“I just wanted to be a part of Notre Dame. The school and I have a great relationship.”
“I knew I couldn't be a Heisman Trophy winner, but I could be the best I can be.”
“I never put a time limit on my dream.”