Vince Papale was a local thirty-year old teacher and coach. Helping make enough money as a part-time bartender, he was also a season ticket holder for the Eagles. This die-hard fan had only played one year of high school football and weekend pickup games as experience when he decided to give his dreams a shot and try to play professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles. Papale was the only player from the open tryouts invited to camp with the Eagles. His underdog story, work ethic, and love of the game made him a fan favorite and he was even referred to as the real Rocky." He persevered and made the team. He became known for his ferocious tackling and aggressive playing style on special teams, and ultimately played four seasons for the Eagles, becoming special team's captain. Papale's inspirational achievements brought this true-life tale to the movie screen in 2006, in a film called Invincible and starring Mark Wahlberg as Papale. His story is also told through the book he wrote, Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain of the Eagles. Following his retirement from the NFL, Papale became a broadcaster. He went on to work in commercial mortgage banking and is now Marketing Executive and Special Projects Director for Sallie Mae. Papale has served as chairman or co-chairman for Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans, Spina Bifida Association, Association for Retarded Citizens, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the American Heart Association. A survivor of colo-rectal cancer, he has served as a spokesperson for prevention and advance screening as well as for Eagles Fly for Leukemia, the Special Olympics, and the Boy Scouts. Papale has received the Chapel for the Four Chaplain's Humanitarian Award, the United Way's Gold Award, and the Jaycee's Distinguished Service Award. SPEAKER TOPICS Invincible: It’s Never to Late to Achieve Your Goals My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain Winning My Battle with Cancer"
