Rudy Ruettiger

This is the real Rudy, during his only game. (www.cnhinews.com)

Why are true heroes exceptionally difficult to come across in our world? The truth is, that to many, a hero is classified as someone who is simply just famous. Many of these famous celebrities do not have qualities a hero should have. True heroes possess distinguishable qualities. A hero is someone who is generous, and perseveres despite the obstacles. Rudy Ruettiger of Notre Dame displays these characteristics, and deserves the title of hero.

Rudy's will to never give up was noticed early on in his life. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger was born in 1948, and was the third of fourteen children. Ever since high school, Rudy had dreamed of attending the University of Notre Dame and playing for their football team, but lacked the money and grades to get in. At twenty-three years old, he was accepted into Holy Cross University, right next to Notre Dame. Ruettiger dreamed of transferring to Notre Dame from Holy Cross, but he soon realized that he had a case of dyslexia, making it even more difficult for him to get in (Sports Stars USA). Rudy continued trying to transfer into Notre Dame, but was constantly rejected. Time was running out for him to pursue his dream, because he was now already a junior, and Notre Dame didn't accept senior transfers. As a result, Rudy persevered and hit his studies hard. All of his perseverance paid off, and he accomplished his first goal: getting into the University of Notre Dame (Keynote Speakers Inc). Even though he was accepted, Rudy still had many goals on his mind. His next obstacle to overcome was to make the Fighting Irish Football Team. While at Notre Dame, Rudy's co-worker at Notre Dame's Knute Rockne stadium, Fortune, told him "You're 5 foot nothin', 100 and nothin', and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability." (Sports Hollywood). After hearing this, Rudy was even more determined to make the team. In tryouts, Rudy went 100%, and ended up making the practice squad. Rudy wasn't satisfied with just the practice squad; he wanted to be in a real game. So, Rudy decided to never quit while he was on the practice team. Finally, the last game of the season approached, Rudy was a senior, and time began running out. Fortunately, Notre Dame's coach noticed Rudy's work ethic, and let him dress out for his first and final game as a college student. Notre Dame played Georgia Tech that Saturday, and with 27 seconds left in the game, coach put Rudy in at Defensive end as the crowd was chanting his name (Rudy Rudy Rudy). It turns out in his only play, he sacked the quarterback to preserve the win for Notre Dame. He was then carried off of the field by his teammates, and is only one of two people to ever be carried off of the field at Notre Dame. Rudy's perseverance paid off for him, and he overcame two huge obstacles. If it wasn't for his perseverance, none of these events would've ever happened.

Another trait heroes should have is generosity, and Rudy Ruettiger possesses it. After graduating Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree, he went on to help the community (Rudy Rudy Rudy). "Rudy Ruettiger established the Rudy Foundation, whose mission is to benefit children's advocacy programs. The Rudy Foundation develops and supports programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually" (Keynote Speakers Inc). Rudy also does more than just help child advocacy programs. He's focused on getting children aware of good sportsmanship, which is why he created the Rudy Awards. The Rudy Awards were established by the Rudy Foundation "to recognize children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best every day, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their dreams and build the qualities of character, courage, contribution, and commitment into their lives every day." (Keynote Speakers Inc). Rudy's generosity is also shown when he travels the nation speaking to schools about persevering, and has helped write books about never giving up.

This jersey is signed by Rudy and Sean Astin (www.ecx.images-amazon.com)

Heroes are difficult to find in our world, and many people do not understand what a true hero is. A hero is someone who is always persevering. A hero is someone who is generous to others. Rudy Ruettiger overcame colossal odds, and his dreams ended up coming true. In this world, "hard work pays off later, while laziness pays off now." (Get What You Want).