Knute Rockne was a prominent American football player and coach, best known for his time at the University of Notre Dame. Born on March 4, 1888, in Norway, he immigrated to the United States as a child. Rockne played as a halfback for Notre Dame from 1910 to 1913 and later became the head coach in 1918. As a coach, Rockne led the Fighting Irish to an impressive record, winning three national championships and popularizing the forward pass. He is remembered for his innovative coaching techniques and motivational speeches, which greatly influenced the game of football. Rockne tragically died in a plane crash on March 31, 1931.