Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger

Daniel Rudy Ruettiger

Celebrated Notre Dame Football Hero, Motivational Icon, Inspiration for the Film Rudy

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Speaking Topics

  • Motivation
  • Inspiration
  • Empowerment
  • Self Esteem
  • Success
  • Youth Sports

Travels From

  • NV

Speaker's Fee Range

  • $20,001 - $40,000

Rudy Ruettiger

Rudy Ruettiger's Major Accomplishments Include . . .
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 third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. Today, Rudy Ruettiger is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States.

Rudy's presentation was a huge hit and helped make Global Sales Conference a booming success!

-- Monster.com

It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy Ruettiger 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. To this day, Rudy Ruettiger is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.

In 1993, Rudy Ruettiger's life story was immortalized in the blockbuster motion picture, RUDY and the critically acclaimed film continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Today, as a highly sought after motivational speaker, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger entertains international corporate audiences with his unique, passionate and heartfelt style. Rudy Ruettiger 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. Rudy's captivating personality and powerful message of "YES I CAN" stays with his audiences forever.

Rudy Ruettiger has shared the speaking platform with great leaders and speakers including President George Bush, First Lady Barbara Bush, Joe Montana, General Colin Powell, Christopher Reeve, and Zig Ziglar. Rudy Ruettiger's opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 who emotionally chant RU-DY, RU-DY! A few of Rudy's media appearances include: People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, US Magazine, Readers Digest, Inside Sports, and Good Morning America.

In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy Ruettiger has co-authored several books, including: Rudy's Insights for Winning In Life, Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions, Rudy & Friends and The Rudy In You.

More About Rudy Ruettiger . . .

Rudy Ruettiger has established the Rudy Foundation, whose mission is to help children of all ages around the world reach their full potential. The Rudy Foundation develops and supports programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The Rudy Award Program was created by the Rudy Ruettiger Foundation to recognize children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best everyday, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their Dreams and build the qualities of Character, Courage, Contribution, and Commitment into their lives everyday. The Rudy Award is about a child's heart, will to change, and desire for self-improvement.

 

Suggested Keynote Programs
  • Yes I Can!
  • School Program
  • University Program
  • Corporate Speaking Program
  • Las Vegas Event Program
  • Corporate Training Program
What People Are Saying

"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

"Due to incredible presentation you gave to the Business Development department at the United Parcel Service the likelihood of a repeat performance to other areas of our company has greatly increased. The investment in our people was well worth the monetary cost to UPS. It was great to hear the comments from our management team about how positively you affected their feelings about doing their personal best in their job as well as in their daily life."

--- Carla Atencio
United Parcel Service

"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

"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,Lakewood Police Department

"I am still hearing rave reviews from people who attended our event. 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, none of them have connected with an audience quite the way you did!"

-- Bruce A. Broadwater, Mayor