Episode 09: The Legacy (1931-Present)

26/08/2025 39 min Episodio 9
Episode 09: The Legacy (1931-Present)

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Episode Synopsis

Rockne: The Legacy (1931-Present)
In this final episode, we follow the aftermath of Rockne’s sudden and tragic death and examine how the man who built a football powerhouse left behind something even greater. From the national outpouring of grief to the extraordinary funeral that became a first-of-its-kind media event, Rockne’s passing wasn’t just the end of an era, it was the beginning of a legacy. We explore how Notre Dame responded, who stepped in to carry the torch, and how Rockne’s influence continued to shape the program in the years that followed. But more than that, we can take a step back and ask: What made Rockne different? Why did he become the gold standard for what a coach should be? From his vast coaching tree and tactical innovations to his media savvy, business acumen, and ability to inspire, we’ll unpack how Rockne didn’t just build a team, he built a national institution. Nearly a century later his fingerprints remain everywhere. This is the conclusion of the story of how one man changed a game, a school, and left a legacy that has impacted millions of people for the last 100 years.
Hosted by Alex Painter, a Notre Dame fan and historian. You can listen to Alex’s Notre Dame football podcast, “Onward to Victory,” on any podcasting service.
This podcast is presented by The History Museum of South Bend, Indiana, and is possible through the generous sponsorship of Andy and Tina Nickle.