15 Facts About Vince Papale

Vincent Francis Papale was born on February 9,1946 and is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver.

Vince Papale played three seasons with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, primarily on special teams, following two seasons with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League.

Vince Papale attended Interboro High School in Prospect Park, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field.

Vince Papale began competing in track during his senior year at Interboro.

Vince Papale won the District I large-schools championship in pole vault, then finished fourth in the Pennsylvania state meet.

Vince Papale attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia on a track scholarship.

At that time, Vince Papale was a teacher at Interboro High School and was coaching the junior varsity football team when he successfully tried out for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League as a wide receiver.

In 1975 Vince Papale caught only one pass, but it was for a forty-nine-yard touchdown.

In both seasons with the team, Vince Papale was a special teams standout.

Vince Papale eventually made the team, thereby becoming, at age 30, the oldest rookie non-kicker in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience.

Vince Papale went on to play wide receiver and special teams for the Eagles from 1976 through 1978.

Vince Papale was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates and "Man of the Year" by the Eagles in 1978 for his many charitable activities.

Vince Papale, who earned the nickname "Rocky" while playing with the Eagles, is the subject of the Disney movie Invincible, with Mark Wahlberg portraying him.

Vince Papale has appeared in commercials for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, encouraging others to be tested.

Previously, Vince Papale was the regional director of marketing and senior account executive for higher-education marketing at Sallie Mae.