Rudy Ruettiger Wife, Age, Net Worth, and Biography 2025
Rudy Ruettiger wife is Cheryl Ruettiger. He marry to Cheryl Ruettiger in 1975. Cheryl is also one of the founders of the Rudy Foundation, which she started with her husband rudy in 1997. She stands with him in all his hard times od life. Rudy is not strong but he is a hard worker. He wished to play football at Notre Dame. Many people told him he couldn’t do it. But he did not give up. Cheryl always believed in him.
His height is about 5 feet 6 inches. Rudy Ruettiger age is 76 years old as of 2025. He still talks to people to help them stay strong and never quit. His net worth is about $550,000 and $1M in 2025. Write detailed article about his net worth.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger |
|---|---|
| Famous As | Motivational Speaker, Former Football Player |
| Known For | Inspiring story behind the movie Rudy |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1948 |
| Age (2025) | 76 years old |
| Place of Birth | Joliet, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Wife | Cheryl Ruettiger |
| Married Since | 1975 |
| Profession | Motivational Speaker, Author |
| Foundation | Co-founder of the Rudy Foundation |
| Famous Movie | Rudy (1993) |
| Main Message | Never give up on your dreams |
Early life and education
His birthday is August 23, 1948, and he was born in Joliet, Illinois. He had 14 brothers and sisters when he was a kid. His family didn’t have a lot of money, but they loved and believed in God. Rudy wasn’t very big or strong, and he had reading and writing problems that made it hard for him to do well in school.
Rudy never gave up, even when school was tough. Many people told him it was impossible for him to play football at the University of Notre Dame. He played football for the first time at Joliet Catholic High School. Rudy joined the Navy after high school and then worked at a power plant.
Rudy still wanted to go to Notre Dame. He worked hard at Holy Cross College, a small school close by. He tried many times and finally got into Notre Dame. He made the football team not because he was big, but because he had heart.
Rise to fame
Rudy Ruettiger is famous for his kind heart and motivated personality. He has not lose his heart on and never forget about his dream. One of the best college football teams in the country notre dame was his dream team. He wasn’t thought to be able to do it by most. Rudy didn’t give up, though.
It took him many hard years, but he finally got into Notre Dame. During the last game of the 1975 season, Rudy only played for a short time. But he made a big play in those few seconds and showed everyone what hard work and faith can do. His teammates picked him up and carried him. That event changed history.
Later, Rudy’s story was turned into a movie called Rudy, which came out in 1993. Many people felt something for him, and the movie made him famous all over the world. Rudy was a sign of hope and never giving up after that day.
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Career
After his big moment at Notre Dame, Rudy Ruettiger made a living off of it. He started telling people all over the country about his life. He turned into a motivational speaker and spoke to workers, students, and athletes. His message is to always have faith in yourself and not give up, even when things get tough.
His story was made into a movie called Rudy in 1993. A lot of people saw the movie, which made more people aware of him. Rudy wrote books, started a foundation, and kept making speeches after the movie. He also goes to events, schools, and teams to motivate others.
Rudy’s job is to make people feel hopeful. People can make their dreams come true if they stay strong, work hard, and believe.
Achievements
- Played in a genuine football game for Notre Dame in 1975.
- became the inspiration for the 1993 film. Rudy
- Became a well-known motivational speaker throughout the country.
- Spoke to schools, sports teams, and large corporations to motivate people.
- He wrote books about his life and the message to never give up.
- Established the Rudy Foundation in 1997 to help students and athletes.
- Received numerous medals and prizes for courage and leadership.
- Was carried off the football field by teammates—one of the only Notre Dame players ever awarded that distinction!
- He helped hundreds of people believe in themselves through his words and story.
What is Rudy Ruettiger Doing Now?
Rudy Ruettiger is still in high demand as a motivational speaker. He goes to colleges, businesses, and sports teams to spread his message of sticking with things even when things get hard. Rudy is known for being able to connect with people, and he uses his own experiences to motivate others to get through their own problems.
Rudy still does charitable work through the Rudy Foundation when he’s not giving speeches. He also pushes his books “Rudy: My Story” and makes movie and TV appearances to get his story in front of younger people.
Rudy Ruettiger’s Family Life
Rudy’s family ties have been a source of strength for him his whole life. His wife Cheryl has been by his side through everything. She has helped him with his career behind the scenes and helped start the Rudy Foundation to help others.
Rudy Ruettiger Parents
Father: Daniel Eugene Ruettiger Sr (Factory worker)
Mother: Betty (Elizabeth) Ruettige (House wife)
Rudy Ruettiger Siblings
| Name | Relation | Profession / Known Details |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Ruettiger | Brother | Part of large sports-loving family |
| John Ruettiger | Brother | Involved in athletics and family sports values |
| Tim Ruettiger | Brother | Grew up active in sports |
| Mickey Ruettiger | Brother | Played sports; part of Rudy’s athletic family life |
| Mark Ruettiger | Brother | Youngest sibling; shares family stories |
| Bernard “Bernie” Ruettiger | Brother | Wrestling coach and school dean (30+ years in education) |
| Norma (Norma Berman) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Mary Eileen (Mary Eileen Brockup) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Carol (Carol Surges) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Rita (Rita Hasanaj) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Elizabeth (Elizabeth Gallo) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Rosemarie (Rosemarie Haiduke) | Sister | Limited public information available |
| Jean Ann (Jean Ann Voelker) | Sister | Limited public information available |
Rudy Ruettiger wife
Rudy Ruettiger wife is Cheryl Ruettiger.
Rudy Ruettiger Childern
| Name | Relation | Profession / Known Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Noel Ruettiger | Daughter | Graduated from Boston Conservatory with a degree in musical theater; aspiring actress and dancer. |
| Daniel Joseph Ruettiger | Son | College hockey player; plays hockey at the college level |
Rudy Ruettiger Controversies
Rudy Ruettiger is well-known for his inspirational story, but he has also faced challenges in his profession. In 2011, he became affiliated with the startup Rudy Nutrition. The company was designed to sell healthy sports beverages. Rudy served as chairman and actively promoted the brand.
However, the US authorities later claimed that some corporate employees defrauded investors. They claimed that the corporation provided incorrect information in order to persuade investors to buy stock. Rudy was not the driving force behind the situation, but he accepted responsibility for his role. He paid a fine of more than $380,000 to settle the lawsuit. He said he had learned from his error and was sorry it happened.
Rudy persevered despite the difficulties of his situation. He returned to assisting others and telling his tale. Many people still admire him for being truthful and not hiding from the facts.
FAQs About Rudy Ruettiger
Was Rudy Ruettiger Married Before Cheryl?
Not at all. Rudy’s first and only wife is Cheryl Ruettiger. They’ve been married for forty years.
Is Rudy Ruettiger Still Alive?
As of 2025, Rudy Ruettiger is still alive and well. He continues to inspire people by giving speeches and helping people in need.
Does Rudy Ruettiger Have Children?
Rudy does have two kids. Their names are Daniel Joseph Ruettiger and Jessica Noel Ruettiger.
What is Rudy Ruettiger’s Height?
And because Rudy is 5’7″, the fact that he played football for Notre Dame was even more impressive.
Where is Rudy Ruettiger Now?
Rudy currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. While he’s not traveling for speaking engagements, he runs his businesses and foundation from there.
How did Rudy pay for Notre Dame?
He paid for school with savings, small jobs, and support from his family.
Did Rudy Ruettiger ever marry?
Yes, Rudy Ruettiger is married. Rudy ruettiger wife name is Cheryl Ruettiger. They married in 1975 and have been together for a number of years. Cheryl has been there for Rudy through all of his ups and downs.
Does Rudy have a disability?
Yes, Rudy is dyslexic. It’s a learning handicap that makes reading and writing difficult. School was really difficult for him, but he worked hard and never gave up. His tale demonstrates that persons with limitations can nevertheless achieve large ambitions.
Conclusion
Rudy Ruettiger’s life is a true example of hope, hard work, and never giving up. From a small kid with learning problems in a big family, to standing on the football field at Notre Dame, Rudy showed that dreams can come true. His journey wasn’t easy, but with the support of his wife Cheryl and his strong faith, he turned every challenge into a lesson.
Today, Rudy continues to inspire people all over the world through his speeches, books, and foundation. He uses his voice to lift others up, reminding them that size doesn’t matter—what matters is heart. Even after facing setbacks in business, Rudy didn’t quit. He took responsibility, moved forward, and stayed true to who he is.
His story has touched hearts for decades and continues to be a symbol of strength, family, and belief. Rudy Ruettiger may have played for just a few seconds, but the impact of those moments has lasted a lifetime. Through love, faith, and persistence, Rudy’s message remains clear: never stop believing in yourself.
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