Not really a big fan of football (what’s a touchdown?), it may seem odd to some that I was so excited to find out a famous football hero was coming to town. Most of us have seen the awe-inspiring movie, “Rudy,” about a small fry guy who wants to play ball for Notre Dame.

Because of the young man’s dogged determination, drive and passion, he does end up realizing his dream and playing football for the “Fighting Irish.” Ever since that movie, in my mind, Rudy Ruettiger has been my personal icon for perseverance.

Needless to say, when I found out the “real” Rudy would be coming to town for a speaking engagement, I knew I had to interview him. Rudy agreed to be a guest on my radio show, “Sacramento Smiles,” which is focused on positive education for Sacramento residents.

In speaking with Rudy, during, and a couple times prior to the show, I can say this about him: he is not pretentious. He is also not especially quick in his responses, but his words and wisdom flow with an appealing and selfless sincerity.

By his own admission, Rudy doesn’t like to talk about football. While he treasures his famous 27 seconds on the field, his passion is more focused on making a difference in the lives of others, and he does that by sharing his story.

As with any dream, Rudy acknowledges there are steps and processes that must be in place. His example was that he didn’t just start out playing ball at Notre Dame, but instead, had to start by getting good grades, getting accepted into the college, trying out for the team, etc. He also talked about the importance of good mentors. In the movie and in life, one of his mentors was the janitor who helped Rudy realized the value of his accomplishments.

Subsequent to his days at Notre Dame, Rudy had another big dream that required his same famous tenacity: to have his story turned into a movie. This was no easy feat, and in fact, took ten years of effort before the movie was accepted in Hollywood. While Rudy inspired and pursued the movie, he did not write it himself.

So far, we’ve noted two huge dreams which are quite literally beyond the scope of comprehension for most people: playing ball for a famous football team and having Hollywood buy a movie inspired by your life.

Rudy is humble about his successes, yet he recognize and talk about them as they are indeed the fodder for his ability to reach and teach others. And that’s what he’s been doing these past couple decades.

Traveling the country, talking to people from all walks of life; discussing dreams, faith, patience and processes, and even the power of prayer and meditation, Rudy takes pleasure in working with adults, kids, teams, parents and coaches. He enjoys sharing his hard-won wisdom in the hope that he can help others try a little harder, go a little further, be a little more.

Rudy will be speaking in Roseville on November 6th. There is no charge to attend. The event is the brainchild of Jim Bellacera, founder of Successful Thinkers, of which Rudy is a big fan. Rudy acknowledges that surrounding oneself with other like-minded individuals is essential to success, and he is therefore enthusiastic about sharing his inspiring story with Sacramento residents who are interested in hearing it.

To register for the event, visit: www.SuccessfulThinkers.com

Sources:

Successful Thinkers website. (http://www.successfulthinkers.com) retrieved 10-25-09.

Rudy Ruettiger website (http://www.speakersbureau.com/speakers/ruettiger/bio.htm) retrieved 10-25-09.

Personal telephone/radio interview with Rudy Ruettiger. October 28, 2009.

Personal telephone interview with Jim Bellacera, founder of Successful Thinkers. September 18, 2009.