Remembering Kobe Bryant: Notre Dame's Rudy reflects on helping Kobe Bryant become a legend

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Amidst the saddening loss of Kobe Bryant on Sunday after a helicopter crash, many locals and players are reminded of interactions with the basketball legend.

Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, the infamous Notre Dame Football legend, reflected on his impact on Bryant in the past during an interview with Sports Illustrated.

Rudy was attending the game with his daughter Jessica and both came to get an autograph from Bryant.

Rudy told interviewers that when he approached Bryant before the game, Bryant attributed his success to the Notre Dame legend.

According to Rudy, Bryant told Jessica, “Your dad is my hero. When I was 16 my father showed me your dad’s movie. The only reason that I’m out here is because of [Rudy], because [he] reminds me of my talent that I have to keep earning and I can’t take it for granted.”

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