I love the movie “Rudy”. I love movies that are based on true stories, especially movies about underdogs and over achievers. It makes you feel good inside, and gives you the belief that anyone can accomplish anything they want, as long as they have the will and determination to get there. In case you forgot the classic ending of the movie, here it is, and you WILL get the chills again if you have seen the entire movie before….
After I watched this awesome clip again, I did some research on the real Rudy Ruettiger. I wanted to feel the determination he had, and what he did to get to where he is today. I found some awesome facts about this amazing guy. This guy’s dream was to play football at Notre Dame, no matter how undersized or broke he was. The movie is actually pretty accurate to his real life events. He struggled through dyslexia (which I don’t believe the movie depicted), but still managed to graduate from Holy Cross (junior college). He barely got accepted into Notre Dame and made the scout team. Because he was so broke, he lived in a room in the basketball arena. After getting beat up all year on the scout team, Coach Dan Devine dressed Rudy for his last game, and what you saw in the movie is exactly what happened. He sacked Georgia Tech’s QB, and he remains, the only player to ever be carried off the field at Notre Dame stadium.
Where is he today? Upon graduating from Notre Dame, Rudy spent one year as a grad assistant and then went on to work in the insurance industry. Today, Rudy works primarily as a motivational speaker, often appearing to speak in front of large corporations. He has also co-authored several motivational books. According to the Premiere Speakers Bureau, Rudy’s keynote fee is roughly $17,500. It could vary based upon length of presentation, location of event and other factors. Usually, travel and expenses are additional costs above speaker fees. Rudy’s topics include athletes, inspiration, motivation, and overcoming adversity.
How’s that for an underdog?
Anthony Busciglio
