a young Ronald Reagan played George Gipp in the 1940s movie “Knute Rockne, All American. Pat O’Brien stared as Rockne in the biographical film. Many referred to Reagan as the Gipper.

That line became more famous when an actor-turned-politician named Ronald Reagan recited it the 1940 movie, “Knute Rockne, All American,” then used it as a campaign slogan that helped propel ...

Rockne was witty; his stories were of football happenings; he was serious, in demanding fair play and real Americanism on the part of all athletes, and he spoke in the terms of both a coach and an ...

Under exuberant coach, Knute Rockne, Notre Dame set the standards for football excellence. But off the field, the Fighting Irish was a PR sensation, capturing the hearts of a riveted nation.