MOVIES

Remembering 'Rudy' at 25: Classic sports movie still brings tears

Bryan Alexander
USA TODAY
Sean Astin mades sports-movie magic in 1993 ' s " Rudy " as Daniel " Rudy " Ruettiger, the Notre Dame football player who pulled off a miracle sack the only time he was allowed to suit up for a game.
Sean Astin mades sports-movie magic in 1993's "Rudy" as Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, the Notre Dame football player who pulled off a miracle sack the only time he was allowed to suit up for a game.
Sean Astin Made Sports Movie Magic In 1993's "Rudy."
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) played his heart out on Notre Dame's practice squad.
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) played his heart out on Notre Dame's practice squad.
VAN REDIN/TRISTAR PICTURES VIA AP
Rudy (Astin) and his tutor D-Bob (Jon Favreau) go over school work in " Rudy. " Favreau ' s " Swingers " co-star Vince Vaughn also appeared in the film.
Rudy (Astin) and his tutor D-Bob (Jon Favreau) go over school work in "Rudy." Favreau's "Swingers" co-star Vince Vaughn also appeared in the film.
FATHOM EVENTS
Rudy (Astin) was considered too small to play college football, as you can see from the guy he ' s with.
Rudy (Astin) was considered too small to play college football, as you can see from the guy he's with.
FATHOM EVENTS
Jon Favreau starred as the supportive tutor D-Bob in "Rudy."
Jon Favreau starred as the supportive tutor D-Bob in "Rudy."
FATHOM EVENTS
Rudy (Astin) came out triumphant in the end of " Rudy " with a sack in the waning seconds of the only game he ever played.
Rudy (Astin) came out triumphant in the end of "Rudy" with a sack in the waning seconds of the only game he ever played.
FATHOM EVENTS
Rudy (Astin) gets his one and only shot in his final game at Notre Dame in " Rudy.
Rudy (Astin) gets his one and only shot in his final game at Notre Dame in "Rudy.
FATHOM EVENTS
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) puts on his game jersey for the first time in " Rudy. " His sack made for Hollywood sports legend.
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) puts on his game jersey for the first time in "Rudy." His sack made for Hollywood sports legend.
FATHOM EVENTS
When " Rudy " came out, Sean Astin was only 22.
When "Rudy" came out, Sean Astin was only 22.
Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) Suited Up For Glory In His Final Game At Notre Dame.
Daniel " Rudy " Ruettiger (in 2009) still gets teary when he watches the movie about his life. " Even though I know Sean Astin is going to make that tackle, I still get emotional. Because he made it, " says Ruettiger. " And that tells me the movie still works.
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger (in 2009) still gets teary when he watches the movie about his life. "Even though I know Sean Astin is going to make that tackle, I still get emotional. Because he made it," says Ruettiger. "And that tells me the movie still works.
KYLE TERADA/US PRESSWIRE