1993 Biography Named Best Football Movie Ever, Despite Historical Liberties

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and it doesn't get better than this one. Ahead of Super Bowl LX, USA Today ranked the greatest football movies of all time, choosing the 1993 biopic "Rudy" for their top spot. The film follows the trials and tribulations of 5-foot-6 Rudy Ruettiger, played by Sean Astin, as he follows his dream of playing football at Notre Dame.

Working in a steel mill out of High School, Rudy sees his best friend lose his life in an explosion and decides to chase his dream. Unable to get into Notre Dame due to his grades, he spent two years at Holy Cross before getting accepted. He immediately joins the football team as a walk-on, despite being told he'll never suit up. Through hard work and determination, Rudy finally earns the respect of his teammates and gets to suit up for a game.

The Real Rudy Ruettiger

While this is a beautiful underdog story, the unfortunate part is that the film took some liberties with it. The real-life Rudy Reuttiger did actually play in a game for Notre Dame, but his reception was not like that in the movie. According to Joe Montana, who was a part of the same Notre Dame roster as Rudy, no one chanted his name like the movie, and Montana went as far as to call him a "joke." Montana said that he did get carried off the field, but that he was carried by the biggest pranksters on the team.

While Rudy did do some of the things the movie shows, it's clear his teammates weren't his biggest fans. Further complicating the story, game film of Rudy's famous play shows that he was lined up offside. Watch his highlight below:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 6:30 AM.