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Rudy Ruettiger Profile

Rudy Ruettiger’s life story was immortalized in the eponymous 1993 film, Rudy. An internationally-known celebrity, acclaimed motivational speaker, distinguished author and humanitarian, Rudy rose to fame from meager beginnings. Against all odds, he achieved his dream of attending the University of Notre Dame, where he played football for the Fighting Irish. In the only game of his college football career, Rudy sacked a quarterback in the last 27 seconds and was the only player in the school’s history to be carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders.

Rudy has co-authored several books, including Rudy’s Insights for Winning in Life, Rudy’s Lessons for Young Champions, and Rudy & Friends. He has also produced the Dream Power tape series. As a keynote speaker, Rudy has shared the stage with George and Barbara Bush, Peter Lowe, Joe Montana, General Colin Powell, Christopher Reeve and Zig Ziglar. He has been profiled in People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, US Magazine, and Reader’s Digest. He has appeared on Inside Sports, The 700 Club, CBS Goodmorning, ABC Good Morning America, NBC Talk Live, Regis and Kathy Lee, Montel Williams Show, Entertainment Tonight, and NFL Films.

Ruettiger recently created a foundation which develops and supports programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. “The Rudy Awards Program” recognizes children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best every day, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their drams and build the qualities of character, courage, contribution and commitment into their lives every day.

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    Against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, in twenty-seven seconds, carved his name into history books as perhaps the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The son of an oil refinery worker and the third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. Today, Rudy is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream – to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered “RU-DY, RU-DY,” he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. He is the only player in the school’s history to be carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders. In 1993, his life story was immortalized with the release of the blockbuster film, RUDY which continues to inspire millions worldwide.

     

    Today, as a highly-sought after motivational speaker, Rudy Ruettiger entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He reaches school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of “YES I CAN” stays with his audiences forever. Rudy’s opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant “RU-DY, RU-DY!”

     

    Rudy has appeared on various high profile nationally televised talk shows and radio shows across the country, is featured in national magazine publications, and has been honored with the key to many cities in the United States with special proclamations for his inspiration, commitment, and human spirit. Rudy received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the Distinguished American Award, A Proclamation from the Governor of Nevada granting an “Official Rudy Award Day,” was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, and spoke at the White House during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

     

    He co-founded a foundation whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts.

     

     

     

Rudy Ruettiger Speaking Videos

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Rudy Ruettiger's Speech Descriptions

Rudy Ruettiger is a highly sought-after motivational speaker who entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate and heartfelt style of communicating. In his presentations, he reaches school children, university students and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of “yes I can” stays with audiences long after his presentations are over.

    CORPORATE PROGRAM
    Rudy will come to your organization and give his motivational presentation. Rudy′s message of overcoming obstacles and staying on track to reach your dreams will inspire your audience and bring them to their feet! Rudy′s presentation includes a video production that touches the spirit and impacts the audience with an overwhelming "Yes I can" attitude.

    COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
    Rudy will come to your college or university and give his motivational presentation to the students. His message of overcoming obstacles and staying on track to reach your Dreams will inspire your audience and bring them to their feet! Rudy′s presentation includes a video production that touches the spirit and impacts the students with an overwhelming "Yes I Can" attitude.

    To add a special touch to your event and keep Rudy′s message alive in your group, Rudy will be available immediately following the event to meet and greet the audience and offer his books and tapes to your group along with a personalized autograph on any item purchased. You can choose Option 1 or 2. Option 1: The college or university may purchase any of Rudy′s product in advance at a discount, and may either use it as a give-a-way or as a fundraiser to sell at retail after the event. Option 2: Rudy will have his product available for sale after the event at no expense to the client. All proceeds from product sales goes to the Rudy Foundation for children. Visit our website at www.rudyint.com for more information on the Rudy Foundation.

    SCHOOL PROGRAM
    Rudy will come to your school and do an assembly with a video presentation. After the assembly he will visit with (2) selected small groups to interact with students and teachers one on one. The small groups may include: sports teams, teachers, or a selected group of individuals who have worked hard to earn special time with Rudy. All of the activities with Rudy must take place on the school property and must be within the scheduled school day. All activities must be approved in writing by Rudy International.

    RUDY AWARD PROGRAM
    If you are a Middle or Jr. High School, an additional benefit to the school program is that Rudy will introduce the Rudy Award Program to your school. The Rudy Foundation will provide all program materials and selection criteria. The teacher of each participating classroom will nominate one student. One finalist from each participating school will be chosen by an approved selection committee. All finalists will be honored on stage at the The Rudy Award Celebration with a Rudy Award Medallion and will receive a complimentary invitation to attend Leadership Camp. The top 3 finalists in the nation will receive "Rudy Credits" to be used for continuing education programs, college, or trade school.

What People are Saying about Seeing Rudy Speak

Rating Entries

    “Rudy′s talk was wonderful and inspiring. He was a pleasure to host.”
    Mike Servais
    Salvation Army
    Nashville, TN

    “Rudy has impacted millions of American lives by being an example of perseverance, determination, and diligence. He is a man that has shown strength of heart and amazing spirit in times that are not always kind. He has become an example of what people, young or old, can aspire to become.”
    Kenny C. Guin
    Governor

    “Rudy gave a presentation to the Lakewood Police Department and the West Metro Fire Protection District. With his charismatic and down-to-earth style, Rudy has given many the motivation they need to try again, to believe, to succeed. He is a man who simply exudes a “never-quit” attitude and indomitable spirit.”
    Gary R. Barbour
    Chief of Police

    “In spite of many obstacles, Rudy, has become a huge success. His personal motivation, perseverance and determination were major factors in his significant accomplishments. I witnessed his resolve firsthand as his college football coach.”
    Ara R. Parseghian
    Coach

    “Having met Rudy and exchanging mutual philosophies, I find him to be an individual of exceptional character and broad goodwill. His resolve stands as a testament to the enduring belief that an individual can rise above extraordinary obstacles to achieve a positive result in this incredibly competitive world.”
    Sylvester Stallone

    “Mr. Ruettiger’s list of accomplishments and contributions speaks for itself. He serves as an excellent inspiration for our young people, an example that hard work and determination are the pathways to success.”
    Shelley Berkley
    Congresswomen

    “Thank You for your attendance and participation at this year’s KFS. Your contribution made it possible for me to hear The Best KFS Yet!”
    James R. Jimerson
    Orba Financial

    “Out of this World!”
    Barry Chefer,
    Cape Canaveral Spaceport Symposium

    “Rudy’s presentation was a huge hit and helped make Monster.com’s Global Sales Conference a booming success!”
    Jocelyn Talbot, Sr.
    VP – Telesales

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    “I am still hearing rave reviews from people who attended our event about how much they enjoyed hearing you speak. We have hosted many special events featuring extremely successful authors, entrepreneurs, and athletes, and all have been professional, entertaining, and memorable in their own way. But Rudy, I have to say, that none of them have connected with an audience quite the way you did!”
    Bruce A. Broadwater
    Mayor

    “On behalf of the men and women of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, I again extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for you presentation at the Sheriff’s Lecture Series. You are one of the few who has a dream, lives it, and then lets everyone else know they can live their own.”
    Sheriff Jerry Keller

    “Your address truly moved the audience. As a matter of fact, President McDowell commented that yours was only the second time since he has been president (27 years) that a commencement speaker received a standing ovation!”
    Mark W. Van Tilburg
    Univ. of Pittsburgh – Bradford

    Partial Client List:

    Lending Tree
    Summit Consulting
    Bank of America Card Services
    GlaxoSmithKline
    BBB Southern Nevada
    Lakeside Treatment Center
    Microsoft
    Fujitsu Softek
    American Bankers Association
    Network Communications
    Laborers Tri-Fund
    American Fence Association
    Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
    NCR
    St.Francis Hospital
    Future Farmers of America
    Cellular-One
    Skill Bosch Power Tools
    Glaxo Wellcome
    Red Cross
    Penske Trucking
    Nationwide Insurance
    American Trucker
    Aetna US Healthcare
    Kiwanis
    Big Brothers Big Sisters
    Physicians Mutual
    Union Savings
    NASA
    McAfee
    U-Haul
    UPS
    Nevada Power Company
    Firstar Mortgage
    MCI
    Arnold Schwarzenegger′s Inner City Games
    Tap Pharmaceuticals
    Lockard & White
    American Cancer Society

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