Famous football underdog 'Rudy' visits North Bay students

Rudy Ruettiger speaks to students at school April 9, 2024. (Supplied)

The former football player turned motivational speaker who inspired the classic underdog sports movie 'Rudy' is visiting North Bay high school students Wednesday afternoon.

Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger is speaking to nearly 900 Grade 9 students at the Capitol Centre on May 29.

At the theatre, the students will watch the 1993 film based on Ruettiger's life highlighting his dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite facing significant obstacles.

The movie immortalizes the story of his 'never give up' attitude and dream to play football for the 'Fighting Irish' despite being undersized.

In the only game of his college football career for Notre Dame, Ruettiger was subbed into the game against Georgia Tech on Nov. 8, 1975.

With 27 seconds left of the game, he sacked the opposing quarterback.

His teammates hoisted him on their shoulders carrying him off the field, making him the first Notre Dame player in history to do so.

After watching the movie and having a barbecue lunch, the students will be introduced to Rudy and he will speak about resiliency, goal setting and following your dreams.

More from the event to come.