"Rudy" Ruettiger is the most famous underdog, with heart, spirit and dedication. Daniel Eugene "Rudy" Ruettiger, Jr. in Joliet, Illinois was born August 23, 1948 to his proud parents. He shares one of the most famous names of Notre Dame Football history, right along side Joe Montana and Tim Drown. He shares one of the most remarkable sport stories in history.

Rudy’s courage starts with a dream. As a young man, he always wanted to play football for the Fighting Irish. Bold but small in statue, (only 5'7" and 165 pounds) and knowing he was too small to play Notre Dame Football, his persistence finally paid off. After a long struggle and junior college behind him, Rudy brazenly tried out for the football team. Fascinating as it is, Daniel’s passion and drive earned him a spot on the practice team. As a walk on player, Rudy earned the respect among Notre Dame's starting players.

On November 8, 1975 against Georgia Tech, Notre Dame football was at its best. The fans went wild, the team stood firm, and Coach Dan Devine placed this strong defensive end into the last few plays of the game. Rudy made the famous sack that his team members knew so well. As one of the only two Notre Dame players ever carried off the field by teammates (fullback Marc Edwards was the other), it is a tribute to this remarkable man.

Ruettiger is currently a motivational speaker. Overcoming dyslexia in college, adversity in changing his future, and struggling to make his dreams come true, at Notre Dame he became a star football player and championship boxer.