Why the man who inspired hit movie “Invincible” is in Fort Worth
Most football fans know the story of former Philadelphia Eagles player Vince Papale, who made the team as a 30-year-old rookie following a tryout in 1976. Hollywood made Papale’s story famous with the 2006 movie, Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.
Now Papale’s son, Vinny, is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps. Vinny, a wide receiver from Delaware, is taking part in the College Gridiron Showcase this week in Fort Worth.
The event draws scouts from across the NFL and other professional leagues.
“My son’s as big of a dreamer as I am,” Papale said. “He’s a lot more talented. He’s a lot smarter. I’m just real excited about the opportunity given to him here by the showcase. It’s a great event.”
Vinny ended his college career with his best season as a senior. He finished with 618 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
His dad has no doubt Vinny can make it in the league.
Why? Dick Vermeil, the longtime NFL coach who gave Papale a chance with the Eagles back in the day, is on Vinny’s side.
“He’s our No. 1 advocate,” Papale said. “If Coach Vermeil says my son can play in the NFL, Vinny can play in the NFL. Coach Vermeil doesn’t sugarcoat anything. I believe it. I’ll take his word for it.”
If Vinny’s NFL dreams don’t work out, Papale said his son could pursue becoming a Navy SEAL.
For Papale, simply seeing his son chase his dreams is rewarding enough. Most people already know his dad’s story.
“I’m glad I did it the way I did it,” Papale said. “If I didn’t, there would’ve never been the movie. I wouldn’t have met Mark Wahlberg. I wouldn’t be this Disney character and all of that stuff.
“I can’t get away from it. Here’s what happens all the time. Someone says, ‘Hey, what’s your name?’ My name is Vince. I’m from Philly. ‘Oh, you ever see that movie Invincible?’ I just start laughing.
“In a football environment like this, I’d say 90 percent of the people have seen the movie.”
Papale enjoys visiting the Dallas—Fort Worth area even though he remains a diehard Eagles fan. He recalled during filming for the movie coming to old Texas Stadium in Irving to shoot scenes involving the Cowboys.
Of course, that means he has a Jerry Jones story.
“Mark [Wahlberg] was driving around in a golf cart with my son, Vinny who was 7 at the time, and my daughter Gabriella who was 10,” Papale said. “So Jerry Jones played a prank, dressing them both up in Cowboys gear. It was the greatest thing in the world. I love Jerry for doing that, but I still hate the Cowboys.
“I love the Dallas—Fort Worth area though. It’s a love-hate relationship.”
