Flashpoint TV - S3:E10 - Featuring: Vince Papale
Flashpoint TV - S3:E10 - Featuring: Vince Papale
"The Underdog Episode"
In 1976, Vince Papale personified the underdog story when he made the Philadelphia Eagles NFL Football team during open free-agent tryouts. Vince had no college football experience and only played one year of high school football.
YES! Vince was 30 a year old NFL rookie and did not play college football. On Father’s Day in 1964, he was awarded a full Track Scholarship to St. Joseph’s College … and they didn’t have a football team. Before that, he went to Interboro High School, which is about 6 miles south of the Philly Border. As a “Buccaneer” Vince earned varsity letters in football, basketball & track … all in his senior year. Track was the sport where he excelled as a pole- vaulter and that got him a full ride to “Hawk Hill.” He was always told he was too small to play high school football although he was the fastest kid at Interboro!
Later, an opportunity to join the Philadelphia Eagles unexpectedly presented itself. In 1976, Dick Vermeil announced all-comers are welcome to tryout. This move by Vermeil was shocking and even perceived as a publicity stunt, but it proved very real. Vince was working as a part-time bartender, nightclub doorman, and substitute teacher as he was on a leave of absence from teaching at Interboro. That’s where the movie, Invincible picked up the story. He did not get an invitation to the tryout from Dick Vermeil, as Wikipedia suggests, and got 4 credited years with the Eagles earning his NFL pension and getting the ultimate Last Laugh. The Last Laugh is also the title of Vince’s book. Some other notes on the Invincible movie: yes, Mark Wahlberg and Vince have remained friends. Max’s bar was real as were his 3 amigos, one of which was a downer. And, Janet & Vince met in ’76 but didn't get married until 1993. He will always be grateful to 2 great coaches in his life. George Corner (Interboro) & Dick Vermeil (Eagles) as well as the values instilled by his parents Almira & Kingie.
Join us for this inspiring story and learn how Vince stays inspired to this day.
