Vince Papale

Vince Papale's Key Accomplishments Include . . .
In 1976, the Philadelphia Eagles' first-year Head Coach Dick Vermeil invited some locals to an open tryout for the team. Some thought it was nothing more than a publicity stunt. At the time, Vince Papale was a school teacher and part-time bartender, as well as an Eagles season ticketholder. Encouraged by some family and friends to try out, Vince - who did not play college football but was a track star - ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, a world-class time! That day, Vince Papale's life changed forever.

Coach Vermeil offered Vince Papale a contract on the spot, but this 30-year-old walk-on still had to make the team. He overcame tremendous odds to become the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. Vince Papale eventually became a team captain, played in the NFL for four years, and in an online vote, was named the "Best Special Teams Player" in the 75-year history of the Philadelphia Eagles.

At a time when Philadelphia fans were buried in 11 years of defeat, when Americans were battling the lingering effects of Watergate, the Vietnam War and a sweeping energy crisis, ordinary people appeared badly in need of a champion from their ranks and Vince Papale answered the call.

In 2006, Vince Papale's life changed again. His football story was the inspiration for the Disney movie INVINCIBLE, starring Mark Wahlberg. The popularity of the film encouraged Vince Papale to reinvent himself into one of the country's top motivational speakers.

Having now added "cancer survivor" to his bio, the ultimate underdog continues to thrill audiences with his energy and humor. In today's uncertain economic times, Vince Papale continues to respond to the need for a motivating hero who knows what it's like to battle and overcome adversity.

More About Vince Papale . . .
Following his playing days, Vince Papale worked as a broadcaster for eight years before embarking on a career as a marketing executive and special projects coordinator.

• Educate Yourself Into the Endzone

  The untold story in Invincible is that Vince was a full-time teacher and coach at his high school alma mater, working on his master's degree, when he chased his wildest dream. Vince skillfully weaves his amazing story, with a nice blend of humor and passion, sharing his playbook for success mixing in education as the main ingredient. He relates his "Bucket of Crabs" story of how many of his peers were rooting against him to succeed and how, if it weren't for his teacher, coach and mentor, he never would have made it. He shows the way for his audience to grasp that "the more you learn the more you earn!"

• The Papale Playbook

  In Vince's energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate style, listeners get glimpses of what it took to go from a season ticket holder to Captain of an NFL Team. He shares his Leadership Playbook with his audience as well as telling stories about the people that impacted him, from some of sports coaching greats to his mentors. He took the opportunity of a lifetime and ran with it... lifting a team looking for a leader and a city starving for a hero. From the bleachers, as a 10 year season ticket holder to the Captain of an NFL Team, Vince relates how it was done with his Papale Playbook and how you can lead others to take it to the next level.

• Hold Fast to Dreams

  Going from being called a loser with no pedigree and no college football experience to Captain of an NFL Team is the stuff that dreams, and movies, are made. Using video clips from Invincible, Disney, and ESPN, Vince, a tremendous story teller, shares his tips on seizing opportunities, overcoming odds, fulfilling potential and taking it to the highest level. His energy, passion and humor will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. He made 2nd effort a part of his personality and got the ultimate last laugh on those who doubted him. He will bring people from tears of sadness to tears of joy and bring them to their feet as they feel his journey is their trip as well.

• Make Your Teams Special

  From Team Building to the morphing of Mark Wahlberg, from a Hollywood to an NFL star, what does it take to get your team to the next level? Not only was Vince an accomplished athlete he was also a successful teacher and coach and he shares with you his training tips for reaching one's full potential. What does it take to inspire your Team to pay the price to make their goals and dreams come true? Let Vince inspire and train your group to achieve heights never reached before. Strap on your helmet, get your game face on, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

• From Invisible to Invincible

  One of the biggest hits Vince took was when he found out he had colon cancer. Now "green and clean," he raptures audiences with his story of his emotional journey on the road to recovery. He also shares with us his having to deal with mental illness in his family when he was a youngster and provides some coping tips. Now a spokesperson for cancer awareness, he wows audiences with his understanding, compassion, and humor when dealing with these life obstacles. From caregiver, to patient, to survivor you will feel ready to tackle any challenge after hearing Vince speak about one of his most passionate causes.

• You Can Be Invincible in Tough Times – Analyze, Adapt & Achieve!

  In today's challenging environment, now more than ever, Vince's powerful message is relevant to all of us. In today's fragile economic times, he continues to respond to the need for a motivating hero who knows what it's like to battle and overcome adversity. The passion and resiliency that fueled him to achieve his wildest dream has been his theme throughout his entire life.