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.

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!!

How did the movie RUDY get made?  Did Hollywood contact Rudy?

“First you dream about going to Notre Dame, it's the fantasy.  Then the fantasy turns into reality then the reality into goals.  When you get through that struggle of achieving those goals, you start the small steps toward the movie.  You start talking about the movie, develop it in your mind, then on paper, then with people who know what they're doing. You go through a whole process of trying to find those different people, along with other elements, who can help you put the story together.  Then they help define the story and put it in the right perspective.  Then you have to sell that idea to people who can sell that idea to Hollywood.  Then Hollywood has to buy into it in order to put up the money.  It's just a combination of meeting a lot of people and eliminating a lot of people, then getting the people who are passionate about the message to help you. The writer was very sensitive to me and the story I wanted to tell, so we worked very closely together on it.  The journey to make the movie took 10 years from start to finish.”

What message does Rudy want people to get out of the movie?

“It inspires you to the next level of whatever level you are at in your life.  It tells you that you can do it.  It tells you that whatever odds are against you, you can get up and find another way to make it happen. I think it's classified among the top sports movies, but most people I talk to see it as more than a sports movie. The subtle spirituality in the movie is the magic.  The dynamics of the human being… the struggle that I went through to show the preparation, from the academics to the friends to the naiveness of the Dream…I think that's why it worked.  When I first pitched the movie it was like “who would want to go see a kid making a tackle?”  I said, You're right….I wouldn't.  But I want to know what makes that kid tick. I want to know what makes that journey happen.  Why does he stick in there, why would he go through all that pain and aggravation just to get one tackle?  And he's not even guaranteed that tackle.  Not guaranteed even to suit up.  Why would someone do that?  And the answer always comes back to passion.  It has nothing to do with the tackle or the football.  It's just not quitting, and I think that's what we finally realize.  To let the doors open as you go through life.”

What advice would Rudy give to others who want to pursue a Dream?

“Do what you really want to do.  Don't let the words of others hold you back. Take a step  towards your Dream.  As you move closer to your Dream, new opportunities will open up for you that you never imagined possible.  Along the way, the journey will be full of struggle, but I learned that the Greater the Struggle, The Greater the Victory!  As you go for your Dream, you will inspire others to live their Dream. 

 That's a tough thing to say to people because some are caught in this vicious cycle of trying to make it in life, whether financially or by achieving status or whatever, and all that doesn't matter.  All that stuff that people think they need they don't need.  What you basically need is the peace within yourself and the belief that you're doing what you feel the right steps in life are.  It's not the fact that because this person has made a movie so should I, or that guy went to Notre Dame so I can too.  There is a lot more to it then that.  It's a matter of actually taking a step towards that goal and accepting responsibility and accountability for that dream.  That's where people get stuck and don't chase the dream, because of those two things.

If you commit to something you have to follow through.  And a lot of us don't do that.  That's what I learned.  And commitment introduces new opportunity.  Again, it all falls back on accountability or responsibility.  I used to never really follow through on anything.  I left things hanging.  But that changed.  Once you make a decision, make the commitment. I still had to do what I had to do.  Whether it was cutting grass or cleaning bathrooms or selling cars to pay the rent, whatever it took to keep that commitment.”

What impact does the movie have on people?

“The message definitely changes lives.  When I speak, so many people come up to me and tell me how the movie has impacted their life.  A dad told me how his son was inspired to live!  His son wanted to quit on life – he gave up on sports and in school and had no other hope.  He took his dad to the movie and it moved him!  The message moved him to believe in himself again!  Other kids have told me how they wanted to quit on their goals in sports or in school or how they thought they would never be able to go for their Dreams and that the movie inspired them to Never Quit on themselves.  The movie is about a message.. and if I can do it, you can too!”

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- God Bless You and All your Dreams! 
Rudy Ruettiger

If you have any questions to add to the Frequently Asked Questions page, you may email us your questions to rudystaff@rudyinternational.com The Rudy Staff will review all questions and will post new questions if they are approved.