Nearly 27 years later, Rudy holds up as one of the greatest sports movies of all time. It was the supporting characters, however, that gave the movie its uplifting nature.

The is so much to love about RUDY. The story of Dan “Rudy” Ruettiger is a true American tale if there ever was one. The movie has inspired millions, sports fans and otherwise. It has weaved its way into the fabric of Notre Dame lore.

But what else makes the movie so special? Sure, Sean Astin’s portrayal of Ruettiger creates a relatable underdog — and that’s a huge part of the movie’s success. But there’s more — much more — that drives the sorry as we know it on screen.

Like many Notre Dame fans, I watch the film a couple of times a year. It’s a rainy-day go-to or a late night backdrop when I decide to crack open a new bottle of bourbon. Recently, however, I decided to watch Rudy with a more critical, investigative eye. It was then that it truly hit home for me: Rudy is a story of supporting characters.

Throughout Rudy’s journey from Joliet, Illinois to the final play of the Georgia Tech game, Rudy is supported every step of the way by a colorful cast of diverse characters. I’ve picked out the five who I thought had the biggest impact along the way.

Keep in mind, I fully understand that the movie took many creative liberties to tell Rudy’s story. The selection of these characters is only based on Rudy Ruettiger’s journey in the movie.