The 1993 film, Rudy” had a huge impact on my own personal journey, and came at a critical part in my life. The movie was based on the real-life story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a student who dreamed of attending the University of Notre Dame and to play for their famed and legendary football team. Unfortunately for Rudy, Notre Dame was and is still one of the top football programs in the country and is nearly impossible to be a part of unless you are a scholarship-receiving star athlete. The film chronicles Rudy’s grit and determination to be a part of the program, taking viewers through most of the struggles and heartbreaks he endures to reach his goal. It is a story of hard work, determination and believing in your dreams…and ends with Rudy reaching his goal in a way he never could have imagined.

Rudy is a very conventional movie, as it takes on a “Rocky” sort of vibe as it follows the underdog on his rise through the college football system. The movie helped me really solidify my work ethic and determination to reach my own goals, as at the time I was just starting my four-year tour in the United States Marine Corps. As a kid who quit a lot in high school and really didn’t apply myself, I was oddly attracted to the story of a man who fought so long and hard for his own goals. This inspired me to work harder, reach higher and see things through. This started with my Marine Corps enlistment and has continued on in an amazing work ethic even today. I have my work ethic to thank for my career, relationship and many other amazing things in my life, and it all started in 1992 and 1993. This movie was a key component to fanning the little flame of that fledgling work ethic at the time.

My view of the film now after rewatching it has not differed much from when I first watched the movie. Still, I am now able to appreciate the finer points of the film and really hone in on the character’s journey in pieces, such as when he first has to overcome the loss of his close friend, hos initial journey to the junior college close to Notre Dame (Holy Cross) to raise his grades enough to try to get into the university, then his fight to win a practice squad position with the football team and finally his plea to the coach for a one-time run onto the field with the team. I was also able to really appreciate the dynamics of his relationship with his father, as strained as it was. These are little nuances I didn’t really appreciate until after watching t a few times. Also, watching some of the interviews with the cast pointed out a few details that really didn’t happen in real life…which I wasn’t a fan of hearing! Let me live in my fantasy if that’s what it takes! One interview especially burst my bubble about a few details about the famous jersey scene!

Overall, rewatching this film made me appreciate the movie’s message as a whole…to never give up, always keep pursuing your goals and to work hard. These are life skills that made me who I am today, and this movie helped fan that flame while I was already learning those lessons in the Marine Corps 25 years ago!