Knute Rockne Biography

(born March 4, 1888, Voss, Nor.—died March 31, 1931, Chase county, Kan., U.S.) U.S. football coach. He immigrated with his family to Chicago in 1893. He ran track and played end on the University of Notre Dame football team, combining with quarterback Gus Dorias to popularize the forward pass as a major offensive tactic. In 1919 he was named head coach at Notre Dame. In Rockne's 13 seasons, his “Fighting Irish” posted an impressive record (105–12–5) that included 5 undefeated seasons and 3 national championships. He coached players such as George “The Gipper” Gipp and the members of the Four Horsemen, and his colourful personality captured the public's imagination.