Knute Rockne

The seventh episode of 200 Norwegians tells the story of legendary football coach Knute Rockne. What made him so great? How did he achieve the highest winning percentage in college football history? What was the Rockne system? And why was he called the "Coach for a Nation"?

We trace Rockne’s journey from the snow-covered village of Voss to the bustling streets of Chicago. Learn how the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair lured his inventor father—and eventually the entire Rockne family—across the Atlantic. Discover how Knute fell in love with football, excelled as an athlete, and later transformed the game itself.

We explore how his creativity and forward-thinking helped turn football from a fringe blood sport into a national pastime.

Featuring sports historian Jim Lefebvre, author of Coach for a Nation and executive director of Knute Rockne Memorial Society.