Vince Papale Career Biography and Statistics

Bio:
Vince Papale is one of the most unique athletes in sports history. A multi-sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, and track and field), Papale only ran track in college. Despite his complete lack of college football experience, at 30 years of age he ended up playing in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles. The events that led up to, and including, his NFL career are so unique that they are the basis for the Disney movie Invincible (2006).

Papale was born on February 9, 1946 in Glenolden, PA. In high school, he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. He only played one year of varsity football, and was named to the All-District Honorable Mention team. However, he was even more impressive in track and field. He excelled in the pole vault, the triple jump, and the long jump. His senior year he posted a pole vault of 12’ 9”, which was in the top-ten all-time among PA high school pole-vaulters.

Papale attended Saint Joseph’s University (then College) on a track scholarship. He was unable to play football because Saint Joseph’s did not have a team. However, he continued to stand out on the track. He continually placed high in events in the long jump, the triple jump, and the pole vault during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Papale graduated with an MS degree in 1968.

Papale’s football exploits did not begin until the mid 1970s when he made it on the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League (WFL). He played wide receiver for the Bells until the WFL folded soon after he joined. He was then just an ordinary guy, bartending at Max’s and substitute teaching at his old high school, Interboro. However, things changed drastically for Papale in 1976.

In 1976 Papale participated in an open tryout hosted by new Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) coach Dick Vermeil. He received an invitation, and even though he was up against what seemed like insurmountable odds, he made the team. He became, at 30 years of age, the oldest (non-kicker) rookie with no college playing experience in NFL history. Papale played with the Eagles from 1976 through 1978. During that time he captured the attention of his city, his country, and his team. He was listed as a WR, but spent the bulk of his time playing on special teams. He recorded two fumble recoveries and one reception for fifteen yards over his career. Papale was named Special Teams Captain by his teammates and was voted the Eagles’ Man of the Year in 1978 for his abundant charitable work. His “storybook” career came to an end in 1979 when he suffered a shoulder injury.