Knute Rockne, All American1940

Committee Member:
Mr. Rockne, couldn't football be replaced by some other game? Something less violent?

Knute Rockne:
Well, what game would you suggest?

Committee Member:
Well, hockey, for instance.

[This answer is greeted by raucous laughter in the committee room]

Knute Rockne:
Why, as a matter of fact, I suggested that very idea to Father Callahan, our president. He was downright interested until we came to the use of sticks, and then he threw up his hands. He said, "No... , that game is not for our university. Notre Dame will never endorse any game that puts a club in the hands of an Irishman."