Win One for the Gipper

One of the most famous moments in Notre Dame Fighting Irish football history- and in all of American sports- is probably the legendary “win one for the Gipper” speech given by Irish coach Knute Rockne at halftime during a 1928 Notre Dame-Navy game. Navy had been the clear favorites to win, having entered the game undefeated. Notre Dame was struggling at 4-2. At halftime Navy was up and appeared to be in control. Many people on the team had known or heard of George “The Gipper” Gipp, who was a well-liked and effective football player who had died in 1920 of strep throat.

The time was right to invoke his image. “I’ve got to go, Rock. It’s all right. I’m not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are going wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, tell them to go in there with all they’ve got and win just one for the Gipper. I don’t know where I’ll be then, Rock. But I’ll know about it, and I’ll be happy.”

Though you probably won’t be able to repeat a moment like that, ever, there are still plenty of opportunities left to visit StubHub.com to get Notre Dame Fighting Irish tickets for future classic games.

Permalink - Posted in General on May 16, 2007 - Post a comment