13 Things You Might Not Know About Rudy

1. Where did Rudy grow up?

Rudy grew up in Joliet, IL.  He is the first boy and is the third of fourteen children.

2. Where is the Real Rudy in the movie?

Rudy did actually have a cameo in the movie. Rudy was a fan in the stands during the last game where he made his famous tackle. He was sitting right behind Ned Beatty (Rudy's dad in the movie) and Ned actually tugs on Rudy's shirt when everyone was cheering. Rudy was wearing a coat and hat.

3. Did he play other sports too? 

Yes.  Rudy also loved baseball, boxing, wrestling, and water skiing.  He was a championship boxer at Notre Dame.

4. What are Rudy's siblings doing today?  Did they all graduate college?

All of Rudy's brothers and sisters are healthy and happily married.  All of his brothers graduated college and most of them have their masters in education.  His brothers love to teach and coach children.  His sisters are wonderful mothers and are very involved with their church and schools. 

5. Is the movie RUDY a True Story? 

Yes.  The movie RUDY is a True Story.  Rudy's Dream was real, the tackle was real, the carry off was real.  The Struggle was real.  The Victory was real.  The movie was made to tell a story that would inspire others – to let people know that no matter what the odds are, they can overcome them – they can win.  No matter what your background, your grades, your size – you can find a way.  It won't come easy.  The message is clear that you need to struggle, you need to prepare to earn your Dream.  It's all about The Dream, The Struggle, The Victory!

6. Is Rudy Still Friends with the Janitor?

The Janitor in the movie actually represents 3 different people who were very influential to Rudy during that time of his life.  When making the movie, they didn't want to leave out any important information but they did not have the time to develop all 3 people to show the impact that each person had on Rudy -  so all 3 characters were rolled into one in order to tell the story.

7. What was Rudy's height and weight when he played for Notre Dame?

Rudy was 5'6" and weighed 165 lbs

8. What is “De-bob” doing today?

Real names could not be used in the movie to protect the rights of the actual people involved in Rudy's life at the time, however, the character that De-bob represented is actually a Federal Judge today.

9. Was Rudy's Family supportive of his Dream?

The Ruettiger Family always wanted everyone in the family to do well.  They just didn't want Rudy to get hurt.  They knew he was putting everything on the line and that many odds were against them.  It was hard for them to say “go for it” to their brother/son when they knew the road he would have to travel.  Rudy still did what he knew in his heart he had to do.  By living his Dream, Rudy inspired his family.  Other brothers and sisters also pursued college and other Dreams and were all very successful!!

10. What was Rudy's major at Notre Dame? 

Sociology

11. Is Rudy Married?  Does he have Children? 

Yes!  Rudy is married and has 2 children

12. Did Rudy Serve in the Armed Forces?

Yes, Rudy served in the Navy before he went to Notre Dame.  Not only did Rudy feel good about serving his country, he was able to pay for a portion of his college education from the GI Bill.

13. Did you realize that your story could have an impact like this?
"You see the hope and inspiration when the odds are stacked against you so high.  You stuck in there, you persevered, and you stuck to the commitment—and look at the rewards you're getting today.  That's how I feel.  That's the magic of it."

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