Knute Rockne

About

Knute Rockne was a renowned American football coach and player, best known for his time at the University of Notre Dame. Born on March 4, 1888, in Voss, Norway, Rockne moved to the United States with his family in 1893. He attended Notre Dame, where he played football and graduated in 1914 with a degree in pharmacy. Rockne's playing career included stints with the Akron Indians and Massillon Tigers, where he helped introduce the forward pass to professional football. Rockne became the head coach at Notre Dame in 1918, leading the team to three national championships in 1924, 1929, and 1930. He popularized the forward pass, transforming the game with innovative tactics. Rockne's charisma and coaching skills inspired many players to become coaches themselves, earning him the title of "coach-maker." His legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements, as he was a celebrated figure in American sports, known for his motivational speeches and media presence. Rockne tragically died in a plane crash on March 31, 1931, at the age of 43.