Who is Vince Papale? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Vincent Papale

Age: 78 Years, 78 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Janet Papale (m. 1993), Sandy Bianchini (m. 1977–1983), Sharon Papale (m. ?–1971)

father: Francis Papale

mother: Almira Papale

children: Gabriella Papale, Vinny Papale

American Football Players American Men

Height: 6'2" (188 cm), 6'2" Males

U.S. State: Pennsylvania

Notable Alumni: Saint Joseph's University

More Facts

education: Saint Joseph's University

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1

What inspired Vince Papale to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles?

Vince Papale was inspired to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles after attending a public tryout held by then-coach Dick Vermeil, who was looking to add local talent to the team.
2

How did Vince Papale perform during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles?

Vince Papale had a successful career with the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming a key player on special teams and earning the nickname "Rocky" due to his underdog story and determination on the field.
3

What impact did Vince Papale's story have on the sports world?

Vince Papale's story of going from a part-time bartender to playing in the NFL inspired many aspiring athletes and fans, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
4

Did Vince Papale face any challenges during his journey to the NFL?

Yes, Vince Papale faced numerous challenges on his journey to the NFL, including skepticism from coaches and teammates, as well as personal doubts about his abilities. However, he overcame these obstacles through perseverance and hard work.
5

How did Vince Papale's story become known to a wider audience?

Vince Papale's story gained widespread attention through the Disney movie "Invincible," which was based on his life and portrayed his remarkable journey to the NFL, further solidifying his status as an inspirational figure in sports.

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Childhood & Early Life

Vince Papale was born on February 9, 1946, in Chester, Pennsylvania to Francis J. Papale and Almira Sage Papale. He has a sister named Janice.

He studied at the Interboro High School in Prospect Park, where he excelled in various sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. For his one-year tenure in varsity football, he was awarded the All-Delaware County Honorable Mention honours.

As a track and field athlete, he participated in pole vault, triple jump, and long jump competitions. Representing his school, he became the winner of the District I (Philadelphia suburban area) large-schools championship in the pole vault. Later, he came fourth in the state meet. His best performance in the pole vault was 12 ft 9 in, which secured his position as one of the “Top 10” all-time PA high school vaulters.

Papale got the chance to study at the Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia after he acquired a track and field scholarship. In his junior year, he performed a vault of 14 ft 6 in at a United States Track & Field Federation (USTFF) college development pole vault competition, claiming the first prize.

While he never got a podium finish at IC4A or Penn Relays, he registered a score in the Middle Atlantic Conference championships (University Division). In 1968, he graduated with an MS degree in marketing/management science.

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Career & Later Life

After finishing college, Vince Papale started playing for the semi-professional Seaboard Football League team Aston Green Knights. He also worked as a middle school business teacher from 1968 to 1974 at Interboro High School and served as the coach for a junior varsity football team.

In the spring of 1974, Papale left teaching to try out for the Philadelphia Bell. He was accepted into their main roster and would go on to play the next two seasons with the team. That season, he registered a record of catching nine passes for 121 yards, averaging 13.4 yards per catch. In 1975, he managed to catch only one pass, but a forty-nine-yard touchdown was scored with it. He was named a “special teams” standout in his both seasons with the Bell.

Following the end of his tenure with Bell, Papale worked in a bar. He also played the “rough touch” football in the bar leagues. During this period, Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager Jim Murray invited him to a private workout conducted by Dick Vermeil.

Papale debuted for the Eagles at the age of 30, effectively becoming the oldest rookie in the history of NFL without previous experience at the university level. As a wide receiver and special teams, he played 14 matches each in 1976 and 1977, and 13 in 1978. In his career with the team, he registered two fumble recoveries and one 15-yard reception.

In 1978, his career came to a sudden end due to a shoulder injury. He then worked as a radio and television broadcaster for eight years before opting for a career as a commercial mortgage banker. Besides currently being the regional director of marketing and senior account executive for higher-education marketing at Sallie Mae, he is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association.

Awards & Achievements

Vince Papale’s teammates at Philadelphia Eagles picked him as the Special Teams Captain and as the “Man of the Year” in 1978. The latter was due to his significant charity works.

Both Vince and his wife Janet have been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Vince Papale has been married three times. He wed his first wife, Sharon, some time before the 1970s. They divorced in 1971. His second wife was Sandy Bianchini, whom he married in June 1977. This marriage too ended in a divorce, which was finalized in 1983.

Papale met his current wife, Janet, years after his retirement. An athlete herself, she was a member of the US world gymnastics team. They married in 1993 and have two children together, a son, Vincent Jr., and a daughter, Gabriella. The family resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

In 2001, Papale was told that he had colorectal cancer. He fought off the disease, making full recovery. Subsequently, he served as a spokesperson encouraging people to get checked for the disease and made appearances in commercials for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to encourage people to get regular check-ups.

In Popular Culture

In Ericson Core’s directorial venture ‘Invincible’ (2006), actors Mark Wahlberg and Elizabeth portrayed Vince and Janet respectively. The film was well-received by critics and was a moderate success at the box office.

Following the release of the film, Papale published his own version of the story in a memoir titled ‘Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain’. In 2011, he and Janet co-authored the book ‘Be Invincible! A Playbook For Reaching Your Full Potential’.

Facts About Vince Papale

Vince Papale was a former professional football player who made it to the NFL at the age of 30, despite never having played college football.

He is known for his remarkable story of perseverance and determination, which was portrayed in the movie "Invincible" starring Mark Wahlberg.

Papale's underdog journey to the NFL inspired many people and continues to be a source of motivation for those facing challenges in their own lives.

In addition to his football career, Papale has worked as a teacher, coach, and motivational speaker, sharing his message of hard work and resilience.

He remains actively involved in charitable work and community initiatives, using his platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Vince Papale Biography

You wanted to know

What inspired Vince Papale to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles?

How did Vince Papale perform during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles?

What impact did Vince Papale's story have on the sports world?

Did Vince Papale face any challenges during his journey to the NFL?

How did Vince Papale's story become known to a wider audience?