Former Minnesota Vikings star tight end Kyle Rudolph made a somewhat surprising decision to turn down the home state Ohio State Buckeyes to attend Notre Dame back in 2007 after going through the recruiting process. This choice has sparked curiosity among college football fans and analysts alike, especially considering the success that Ohio State was enjoying at the time.
Choosing Notre Dame Over Ohio State
Rudolph attended Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became a highly sought-after recruit. Ohio State, under the leadership of coach Jim Tressel, was heavily pursuing him, showcasing their impressive track record. However, despite the allure of playing for the Buckeyes, Rudolph felt a stronger connection to Notre Dame.
Reflecting on his decision, Rudolph shared insights during an appearance on Andy & Ari On3 presented by Xfinity this week in New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl. He recalled, “You think back to Ohio State at the time when I was in college, they were winning just as much, they had national championship games, they were going to BCS bowl games every single year.”
The Tight End Dilemma
But there was a catch. “Jim Tressel’s offense – I would’ve gone and been a tackle,” Rudolph explained. The thought of transitioning to a blocking role didn’t sit well with him. “It might not have been a bad thing when I look at how much more money tackles make than we did. … But at the time, for me, I was like a skinny basketball player that had to put weight on just to play the tight end position.”
The prospect of being a tight end in a system that didn’t utilize the position effectively was daunting. Ohio State’s tight end usage was minimal, especially considering the talent they had at receiver, including Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez. “That Buckeyes team had some excellent receivers, but it didn’t get the tight ends involved very much,” Rudolph noted.
Notre Dame’s Appeal
In contrast, Notre Dame was a different story. At the time, Charlie Weis was the head coach, and he had a reputation for featuring tight ends prominently in his offensive scheme. “So I took visits to Ohio State. I liked Ohio State a lot. I, just as much as coach Tressel told me, ‘No, no, no, we just don’t have a tight end like you. If you come here we’ll use you.’ I said, ‘Yea, you’ll put 30 pounds on me and make me a tackle,’” Rudolph recalled, emphasizing the importance of being utilized correctly.
He also pointed out that Notre Dame had a strong track record of developing tight ends, mentioning that Anthony Fasano and John Carlson had both recently been second-round picks in the NFL. “You have just this straight pipeline to the league,” he said, highlighting the allure of playing for the Fighting Irish.
The Impact of Education
Beyond the football field, Kyle Rudolph is appreciative of the education he received at Notre Dame. He recognized the value of having a degree from such a prestigious institution as a safety net. “To me, as much as I appreciated what Notre Dame offered from an educational standpoint and having a Notre Dame degree as your fallback plan, not a bad Plan B,” he stated. However, his ultimate goal was clear: to make it to the NFL.
Rudolph’s decision to attend Notre Dame proved to be a pivotal one. He spent 12 successful seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Vikings, after being selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. His time at Notre Dame undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his career.
A Successful NFL Career
During his NFL tenure, Kyle Rudolph made a name for himself as a reliable tight end. He earned Pro Bowl honors twice, showcasing his skills on one of football’s biggest stages. Notably, he also won the MVP award at the Pro Bowl once, a testament to his impact on the game.
Reflecting on his journey, Rudolph said, “It was all about how can I get to the NFL, and I felt like Notre Dame gave me a better chance to be a tight end in the NFL.” His choice to play for the Fighting Irish not only fulfilled his aspirations but also allowed him to develop into one of the league’s top tight ends.
Final Thoughts
Kyle Rudolph’s story is a compelling reminder of the importance of finding the right fit in college football. While Ohio State was a powerhouse, Rudolph’s decision to attend Notre Dame was driven by a desire to be utilized in a way that showcased his talents. His journey from Cincinnati to South Bend and ultimately to the NFL highlights the unique paths athletes take in pursuit of their dreams.
In the end, Rudolph’s choice not only shaped his career but also left a lasting legacy in college football, inspiring future generations of players to consider their options carefully and choose the path that aligns with their goals.
