Rockne, Knute, << ROK nee, noot >> (1888-1931), was an American college coach. From 1918 until his death in an airplane crash in Kansas, he served as head coach at the University of Notre Dame. His teams’ colorful style, emphasizing speed and deception, helped popularize football. An outstanding strategist, he was famous for his inspirational talks to his players. His “Win one for the Gipper” speech propelled Notre Dame to victory over Army in 1928. It was featured in the biographical film Knute Rockne, All American (1940), which starred Ronald Reagan as Notre Dame star George Gipp. Rockne’s teams won 105 games, lost 12, and tied 5. His winning percentage of .881 is the highest in college football.
Knute Kenneth Rockne was born in Voss, Norway, on March 4, 1888. His family emigrated to the United States in 1893 and settled in Chicago. Rockne studied chemistry at Notre Dame, graduating in 1914 with highest honors. As a player, his pass receiving was important in Notre Dame’s 1913 upset of Army, a game that first brought national attention to Notre Dame and to the forward pass. He died on March 31, 1931.
