Where is Rudy Ruettiger Now? Check Out His Wife, Family, and Net Worth

Who is Rudy Ruettiger?

Rudy Ruettiger is a former American football player and motivational speaker. He was born on August 23, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, and grew up in a large family with limited means. Despite his small stature and lack of athletic ability, Ruettiger dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. After several failed attempts, he finally earned a spot on the team and played in a single game in 1975, becoming a legend in Notre Dame football history.

After graduating from Notre Dame, Ruettiger pursued a career as a motivational speaker and founded the Rudy Foundation, which supports children in their academic and personal growth. His inspirational story was the subject of the 1993 film “Rudy,” which further cemented his status as a motivational icon.

Where is Rudy Ruettiger now?

Rudy Ruettiger, the man whose inspiring story was immortalized in the movie “Rudy,” has come a long way since his days as a walk-on football player at Notre Dame. But where is he now? Today, at the age of 72, Rudy Ruettiger is still inspiring people as a motivational speaker and author.

He has written two books about his life: “Rudy: My Story,” and “Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On.” Both books detail his struggles as a young man and his journey to achieving his dreams. Ruettiger’s story is a classic underdog tale. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois, and had dyslexia, which made school difficult for him.

Despite this, he had a dream of playing football for Notre Dame, and he worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality. After several rejections, Rudy finally made it onto the Notre Dame football team as a walk-on. He played only one play in his college career, but it was the play that would define his legacy. In the final game of his senior year, Rudy sacked the Georgia Tech quarterback and was carried off the field by his teammates.

After college, Rudy went on to start his own company, Rudy International Motivation, where he travels the country as a motivational speaker. He has spoken to businesses, sports teams, and universities, sharing his inspiring story and encouraging others to never give up on their dreams.

Rudy Ruettiger Wife

Rudy Ruettiger, the inspirational figure behind the movie “Rudy,” is not just a man who achieved his dreams against all odds. He is also a loving husband to Cheryl Ruettiger, who has been an integral part of his life and his philanthropic efforts.

Cheryl Ruettiger is the co-founder and executive director of the Rudy Foundation, which was established in 1997. The foundation’s primary objective is to help local theater students achieve their goals by presenting showcases of talent to benefit student programs.

Cheryl and Rudy have been married for over 40 years and have three children together. Despite the demands of their respective careers, the couple has always made time for each other and their family. In an interview with The Chicago Tribune, Rudy spoke about the importance of his wife in his life, saying, “My wife is my rock. She’s always there for me. She’s always there to support me and help me through whatever challenge I’m facing.”

Cheryl has also been a significant driving force behind the Rudy Foundation’s success. Under her leadership, the foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to students across the United States. The foundation’s mission is to empower young people to achieve their full potential through education, sports, and the performing arts.

In addition to her work with the Rudy Foundation, Cheryl is also an accomplished actress and producer. She has appeared in several films, including “Rudy” and “Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story,” and has produced several independent films.

Cheryl and Rudy’s partnership in life and philanthropy has been a beautiful example of love and dedication. They have worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of young people, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Their legacy of generosity and compassion will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

Rudy Ruettiger Family

Rudy Ruettiger, the man whose inspiring story became the basis for the movie “Rudy,” came from humble beginnings and a large family. He was the third of fourteen children, born on August 23, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, to a German American family. Growing up, Ruettiger struggled with dyslexia, which affected his academic performance.

Despite this, he attended Joliet Catholic High School, where he played football under the tutelage of legendary coach Gordie Gillespie. After high school, Ruettiger joined the United States Navy, serving as a yeoman on a communications command ship for two years. He then worked in a power plant for two years before applying to Notre Dame. However, his low high school grades led to his rejection from the prestigious university.

Undeterred, Ruettiger enrolled in nearby Holy Cross College, where he discovered that he had dyslexia. He spent two years there before being accepted as a student at Notre Dame on his fourth attempt in the fall of 1974. Despite the odds against him, Ruettiger fulfilled his dream of playing football for Notre Dame.

As a walk-on, he played only one play in his college career, but that play has become legendary. In the final game of his senior year, Rudy sacked the Georgia Tech quarterback and was carried off the field by his teammates. Rudy’s family has been a significant source of support throughout his life. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Ruettiger, raised fourteen children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude.

Today, Rudy is married to Cheryl Ruettiger, and they have three children together. Despite his success as a motivational speaker and author, Rudy has never forgotten his roots and the importance of family in his life. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and the support of loved ones, anything is possible.

Rudy Ruettiger Height

Rudy Ruettiger was born on August 23, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, and he stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m). He was the third of fourteen children born to his German-American parents.

Despite his relatively short stature, Rudy’s tenacity and hard work propelled him to success on the football field. He played for the University of Notre Dame and famously earned a spot on the team as a walk-on. Although he played only one play in his college career, he made the most of it, sacking the Georgia Tech quarterback in the final game of his senior year.

Rudy’s story has continued to inspire people around the world, and he has built a successful career as a motivational speaker and author. His message of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

While height may be a physical attribute that some people focus on, Rudy’s story shows that it is not a determining factor in achieving success. With hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Rudy Ruettiger Net Worth

As of 2024, Rudy Ruettiger’s net worth is approximately $550,000. While this may be a modest sum compared to other celebrities or athletes, Rudy’s story of perseverance and determination has resonated with millions of people around the world.

Rudy’s journey to success began when he was a walk-on football player at the University of Notre Dame. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including his small stature and struggles with dyslexia, he earned a spot on the team and became a beloved figure at the university. His inspiring story was eventually turned into the 1993 film “Rudy,” which further cemented his place in popular culture.

Since then, Rudy has built a successful career as a motivational speaker and author, sharing his message of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams. He has written several books, including “Rudy: My Story” and “Rudy Ruettiger: The Walk On,” and has given countless speeches to audiences around the world.

While Rudy’s net worth may not be as high as some of his peers in the entertainment industry, his impact on people’s lives is immeasurable. His story serves as a reminder that success is not just about wealth or fame, but about the difference you can make in the lives of others.