Rudy Never Quit

As we continue our summer sports movie series, similar to the first two movies, The Little Giants and Boys in the Boat, Rudy is also another underdog story.

Rudy is considered one of the top sports movies of all time and also one of the most inspiring movies ever. The film, released in 1993, is based on the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who, despite his small size and limited athleticism, dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Of course, the movie takes some liberties with the actual story, but it's still an excellent adaptation.

The movie follows Rudy on his difficult journey as he chases his dream of running out of the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium. When he was young, he told his family (big Notre Dame fans) about his dream of one day being on the team, but everyone laughed at him. They were a working-class family and expected Rudy to have a job at the steel mill like his dad.

Rudy played football in high school, but wasn't one of the top players and also struggled in school. He didn't have the money, grades, or athletic background to gain admission to the University of Notre Dame. However, he wasn’t going to let that stop him.

After graduating from high school, he worked at the steel mill for four years, saving his money. Then, following the death of his best friend, who had always believed in Rudy, he decided it was time to pursue his dream seriously, so he left his town in Illinois and moved to South Bend, Indiana. Initially, he attended the nearby Holy Cross College with the intention of eventually enrolling at Notre Dame.

The movie spotlights the struggles he went through and the measures he took that ultimately led him to become a student at Notre Dame, a walk-on for the football team, and, for one game, a player on the field for the Fighting Irish.

Up until that point, he made countless sacrifices, was willing to do whatever it took and be uncomfortable, didn't take no for an answer, took a beating at practice, and was bold and confident every step of the way.

He had hope that one day he would put on a Notre Dame jersey and have his dad in the crowd watching. He believed it was going to happen, even when it seemed impossible, and he had a few key people in his corner who encouraged him to keep going when he was losing faith.

It's remarkable how unlikely it was for him to see his dream come true, and how often people, even family, reminded him of that. He experienced closed doors, delays, three rejection letters, and ridicule.

However, Rudy was persistent and never quit. Well, technically, he did for a moment, but it didn't last long, thanks to two key friends telling him he wasn’t a quitter and needed to go to practice. In the end, he was rewarded for his unrelenting attitude, determination, and willingness to endure until the promise was fulfilled.

Rudy didn’t quit, and as he got on the field during his final home game, his teammates, coaches, family, and Notre Dame fans respected him and cheered him on. He became the first Notre Dame player ever to be carried off the field on the shoulders of his teammates after the game.

Rudy’s heart, passion, and all-in approach were on full display in the movie, and there is so much from this movie that can encourage us today.

Specifically, I want to unpack the concept of not quitting. (Yes, I believe there are situations where quitting or stopping is the answer, but we’ll unpack those another time.)

More often than not, we need to be inspired to keep going, be persistent, demonstrate determination, and not give up on the dreams, promises, and desires God has given us.

As followers of Jesus, we operate with hope and faith in the midst of the impossible because we believe in a loving and all-powerful God. We trust in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ as the promise and hope we cling to.

When God calls us to do something, reveals a vision for our life, or makes a promise in His Word, He will help us endure along our journey.

Like Rudy, there will be situations where we must sacrifice, be willing to be uncomfortable, get “beat up” on the field, and experience closed doors, delays, rejection, and ridicule. We must be bold and confident, not quitting, but rather remaining obedient and staying on the path God is leading us on.

Galatians 6:9 (ESV) says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

We know that a life with Jesus can be very challenging, but He empowers and equips us, and He works in us as we persevere to do His will and spread the good news about Christ.

Paul encourages the church at Philippi in Philippians 1:6 (AMP) by saying, “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].”

Today, let us also be reminded that God has placed dreams and desires in our hearts for His plans and purposes. As we follow Jesus and pursue the life He’s called us into, let’s not quit praying, believing, hoping, seeking, or trusting, and let’s “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2; AMP).

And ”…constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength]” (Romans 12:12; AMP).

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are many times I want to quit and give up pursuing the life You’ve called me into. Please help me to discern the dreams and desires that come from You, and strengthen me to be persistent, steadfast, and confident as I pursue them with Your strength. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.