Katerri O’Neal
Staff Write
Hard work, determination and perserverence are words that epitomize the life of Daniel Rudy Ruettiger.
Ruettiger, the inspiration for the 1993 movie ‘Rudy,’ visited Jackson State University on Sep. 29th, and during a luncheon, was named an honorary Jackson State Tiger.
“The movie Rudy has a great message to be loyal to your dream and not give up; that is the key,” said Ruettiger.
Ruettiger’s inpirational journey began as a young boy. A native of Joliet, Ill., he was the third of 14 children who always dreamed of attending the University of Notre Dame and playing football. However, because of his size, he was continuously taunted and discouraged by his family and friends.
Ruettiger’s dream was deferred after high school because his grades were affected by his dyslexia. He joined the United States Navy for two years and then attended Holy Cross College for two years before transferring to Notre Dame.
He hopes that his perserverence will motivate others to overcome any obstacles they may face and said, “People need inspiration.”
Ruettiger did not realize his dream to play for the Fighting Irish until the last game that he would be eligible to play. He credits a janitor at the school for encouraging him to stay on the team and not give up.
“As long as you have a dream don’t quit, because God blesses the people with patience and vision,” said Ruettiger.
On Nov. 8, 1975 in a game against Georgia Tech, Head Coach Dan Devine allowed Ruettiger to suit up for the last home game of the season and his college career. As a defensive end player, number 45, Ruettiger got to play the last 27 seconds of the game which included two defensive plays and managed to sack the quarterback on the second play as the fans cheered, “Rudy, Rudy!!”
After the game, Ruettiger made history as the first player ever carried him off the field by his teammates at Notre Dame.
Ruettiger has since started a children’s advocacy program called the ‘Rudy Foundation’, written books and become a motivational speaker.
“If you have a goal you need to do it for yourself and nobody else and if you do it for someone else you will fail,” he said.
