Vince Papale

Vincent Francis Papale (born February 9, 1946) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He 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 (WFL). Papale's story was the inspiration behind the 2006 film Invincible in which he was played by Mark Wahlberg.

Early life and education Papale was born February 9, 1946, in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. He attended Interboro High School in Prospect Park, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field.

In his only year of varsity football, Papale won All-Delaware County Honorable Mention honors. In track, he was a standout pole vaulter, triple jumper, and long jumper. He began competing in track during his senior year at Interboro. He won the District I (Philadelphia suburban area) large-schools championship in pole vault, then finished fourth in the Pennsylvania state meet. Papale's best pole vault that year was , which edged him into the top 10 of all-time Pennsylvania high school vaulters. After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years, then became a commercial mortgage banker.

Papale, who earned the nickname "Rocky" (after the Sylvester Stallone character) while playing with the Eagles, is the subject of the Disney movie Invincible, with Mark Wahlberg portraying him. In addition, Papale's legend was cited as a factor in the Eagles' signing of construction foreman/tight end Jeff Thomason for 2005's Super Bowl XXXIX.

Personal life Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2001, Papale recovered and has become a spokesman encouraging people to get regular check-ups. He has appeared in commercials for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, encouraging others to be tested. He is also a motivational speaker.

Previously, Papale was the regional director of marketing and senior account executive for higher-education marketing at Sallie Mae. He resides in Jupiter, Florida, with his wife Janet and two children, Gabriella and Vinny, and remains a diehard Philadelphia Eagles football fan. He is also currently listed as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. His son Vinny played wide receiver for the University of Delaware Blue Hens, the Tampa Bay Bandits, and is currently with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League.