Today we remember a Notre Dame legend.
88 years ago today, Knute Rockne took his final flight as the coach of the Notre Dame football team. Rockne was headed to Los Angeles to participate in the production of a film titled The Spirit of Notre Dame. During the flight, one of the wings of the plane deteriorated, and the plane crashed in Kansas. The fatal crash took the life of Rockne and seven others on board. A memorial to Rockne and the seven other victims now stands at the site of the historic crash.
At his funeral, Rockne’s home nation of Norway was present. King Haakon VII of Norway was sure to send a representative in order to personally express his condolences and highlight the notion that, while the death of Rockne was a grave loss to America, it was also a grave loss to Rockne’s birth country.
It goes without saying that the name Knute Rockne is synonymous with Notre Dame football. Rockne had an illustrious career for the Irish both as a player and as a coach. But he too played a pivotal role in the game of college football as a whole. His fresh schemes and experimental tactics changed the landscape of college football forever. Through his involvement with the University of Notre Dame and with college football in general, Rockne proved to be one of the most recognizable personalities in the nation at the time of his death.
Today we remember the legendary player and coach who set the standard of excellence for the Notre Dame football program.
A College Football Pioneer
Rockne is often credited with “inventing” the forward pass. Unfortunately, this is not the case. However, Rockne did play an integral role in the game that first extensively utilized the forward pass.
On November 1st, 1913, the Fighting Irish took on the juggernaut that was the Army football team. While the Irish did employ the running game, their offense also featured the vertical pass regularly. Notre Dame quarterback Charlie Dorais connected downfield with Rockne throughout the course of the contest. Dorais complete 14 of 17 passes for 243 yards in the game en route to a 35-13 win over the tough Army squad. Rockne’s performance as a receiver helped to revolutionize the game of college football as a whole, and the win over Army helped to solidify Notre Dame as a national football power.
As a coach, Rockne employed what became known as “The Notre Dame Box” — a scheme that he learned from his predecessor, Jesse Harper. But Rockne proved to make it his own in his time at Notre Dame. The scheme opened up the offense in a variety of ways and allowed Rockne to be continually experimental. His shifts often confused defenses, and other teams across the country came to adopt Rockne’s formations. Even the Green Bay Packers utilized Rockne’s tactics throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, led by former Rockne player Curly Lambeau.
An American Household Name
Knute Rockne was undoubtedly one of the most recognized personalities in all of sports at the time of his demise. His death shook the sports world and devastated the Notre Dame community. But the impact of Rockne’s sudden passing went far beyond the realm of sports. His death sent shock waves across country as well.
In a letter to Bonnie — Knute Rockne’s wife — President Hoover said, “I know that every American grieves with you. Mr. Rockne so contributed to a cleanness and high purpose and sportsmanship in athletics that his passing is a national loss.” Hoover’s words are clear here. He believed that Rockne’s influence was such that it affected the entire country.
As we look back at Rockne’s life, it is hard to argue with President Hoover’s statements. Rockne was indeed recognized throughout the country simply by his connection with Notre Dame and college football. However, he also went to great lengths to find ways to ensure that all Americans knew about the University of Notre Dame and its football program.
Rockne had a relationship with the media that was not typical for a college football coach at the time. He did many interviews with newspapers and radio stations, always looking for an opportunity to advertise for the Notre Dame football program. His marketing for Notre Dame continued even after his death with the 1940 movie Knute Rockne, All American that starred then actor and eventual president, Ronald Reagan. The biographical film chronicles Knute Rockne’s life, his time as a Notre Dame player, and his time as the Notre Dame head coach until his death
The House that Rockne Built
While Knute Rockne was known by many Americans who were fans of college football and also by those who were not, he was certainly most beloved by the University of Notre Dame community. Rockne posted a 105-12-5 record as the head coach for the Notre Dame football program. He captured three national titles in 1924, 1929, and 1930. Rockne is connected to some of the most famous Notre Dame players, places, and sayings. He coached the “Four Horesemen” and their linemen, “The Seven Mules.” Rockne told us to “go inside em’ and go outside em’,” always reminding us that “today’s the day you’re gonna win!” And of course, he implored us to “win one for the Gipper.”
Directly across from the Word of Life Mural (also known as “Touchdown Jesus”) stands Knute Rockne Gate at the north tunnel of Notre Dame Stadium. On Friday’s, fans can tour the tunnel. They pass a statue of Rockne. They pass a plaque that has the words from his famous speech etched on it. They pass flags that feature the years of Rockne’s national championships.
Finally, they exit the tunnel and walk toward the end zone. Above the exit to the tunnel that leads onto the field read the words “Here Come the Irish.” Fans approach the outskirts of the end zone and take in the history of the place. The classic score board with its yellow-tinted bulbs. The traditionally lined end zones. And fans also take in the newer elements of the place. The jumbotron. The seats that are no longer wooden.
As one stands there witnessing the old and new come together, it is undeniable. This was the House that Rockne Built. It is still the House that Rockne Built. And it will always be The House that Rockne Built.