South Bend, Ind. – June 3, 2025
In a move that has been decades in the making, the University of Notre Dame announced today that it will unveil a statue honoring Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the iconic walk-on whose grit and determination have become emblematic of the Fighting Irish spirit. The statue will be located outside Notre Dame Stadium, joining the ranks of the program’s most celebrated figures.
A ceremony to commemorate the unveiling is scheduled for September 20th, ahead of Notre Dame’s highly anticipated home game against Michigan. The event is expected to draw a crowd of former teammates, university officials, students, alumni, and fans from around the country.
“Rudy isn’t just a football player—he’s a symbol of what Notre Dame stands for,” said Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick. “Heart, perseverance, and belief in oneself. His story transcends sports.”
Ruettiger, whose improbable journey from underdog to Notre Dame legend was immortalized in the 1993 film Rudy, played just two snaps in a single game for the Irish in 1975. But it was his relentless pursuit of a dream—despite academic setbacks, physical limitations, and being told “no” at every turn—that made him one of the most beloved figures in college football lore.
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Now nearly 50 years since his famous sack in the closing moments of a win over Georgia Tech, Notre Dame is ensuring that his story is enshrined in bronze.
The 7-foot-tall statue, sculpted by renowned artist Brian Hanlon, captures the moment Rudy was carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates—an image that remains one of the most enduring in NCAA history. The base of the statue will be inscribed with Rudy’s personal mantra: “Dream Big. Never Quit.”
“To be honored like this, at the place that changed my life, is beyond humbling,” said Ruettiger, now 76. “I wasn’t the biggest, the fastest, or the most talented—but Notre Dame taught me that heart matters most. This statue isn’t about me—it’s about anyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t, and proved they could.”
University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., called the tribute “long overdue.”
“In a world that often glorifies stats and accolades, Rudy reminds us of something more powerful: the courage to believe when no one else does. His legacy is woven into the fabric of Notre Dame.”
Fans and media alike are expected to attend the dedication, which will also feature video tributes, remarks from former coaches and teammates, and a performance by the Notre Dame marching band.
With this statue, Rudy Ruettiger joins legendary figures like Knute Rockne, Ara Parseghian, and Lou Holtz in the pantheon of Notre Dame heroes. But as countless Irish faithful will tell you—his impact is already carved into the heart of Notre Dame.
