Quotes from Rudy Ruettiger

I was inspired by self-help books.

My main message to kids is to have confidence and believe in yourself.

Patience is key, as long as you have a purpose.

Retail employees are the underdogs or 'Rudy' of the work force. They start off at the bottom trying to gain experience, but rarely expect a good wage, a good experience or any career mobility. We need to change that mindset.

The biggest thing is to keep getting up.

For a lot of people, I was a below-average guy who broke through a wall.

When you are happy, successful people want to be around you.

Give kids the chance to be champions.

My father became the man he wanted to be by allowing dreams and supporting his family's dreams.

People say I'm a pain in the rear, but we surrender to people who say we are pains the rear.

Eliminate the confusion in your life.

You've got to eliminate the confusion in your life. And eliminate the excuses.

Everyone needs a consequence to be successful.

Big dreams bring all sorts of challenges. To meet them, you have to have character, courage and a commitment to contribute to your community.

You control your behavior by controlling your thoughts.

In life, you have to take advantage of what you've been given.

When you have passion and commitment, you don't need a complex plan. Your plan is your life is your dream.

I always practiced like I expected to play.

I was a great practice player. I knew I wasn't going to play, but I wanted to do my part in helping the rest of the team prepare for the games.

I have learned two things in my life: there is a God, and I am not him.

Now, I'm not positive 24 hours a day. I have my grieving moments. But when I go to a school to speak to a bunch of kids, I get pumped up.

Talent doesn't win football games. But talent, heart and desire do. A good coach will recognize what's inside.

I knew I couldn't be a Heisman Trophy winner, but I could be the best I can be.

There's a price to pay for greatness. The price to pay is doing the right thing.