Vince Papale
Legendary NFL Player and Inspiration for the Movie "Invincible"
Vince Papale, of Hollywood’s most inspirational movies were born from the world of sports. One in particular inspired not only sports fans but anyone with a pulse. In 2006 Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with the release of INVINCIBLE. It’s a stirring football drama starring Mark Wahlberg as Vince…
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Full Bio
Vince Papale, of Hollywood’s most inspirational movies were born from the world of sports. One in particular inspired not only sports fans but anyone with a pulse. In 2006 Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with the release of INVINCIBLE. It’s a stirring football drama starring Mark Wahlberg as Vince Papale, an ordinary guy who, against all odds, takes his shot at every fan’s fantasy of going from the grandstands to the gridiron. It has been described that Papale’s odds of achieving his wildest lifelong dream of playing for the Eagles as “one in a gazillion!”
It was 1976 when this 30 year old, a teacher and coach at his HS Alma mater, part-time bartender and die hard Eagles fan decided to act on a whim and a dare and entered the unprecedented public tryouts for his beloved Eagles. Inspired by this quote from his high school coach mentor, “Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make those dreams come true”, he figured he had nothing to lose. Papale, a ten year season ticket holder and former track star who did not play a down of college football, not only paid the price and made the cut . . . he made history!
It was 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 answered the call. Now, in today’s uncertain economic times he continues to respond to the need for a motivating hero who knows what it’s like to battle and overcome adversity.
Instantly electrifying the fans and eventually winning over skeptical teammates with his gritty play, Papale helped the Eagles rediscover their winning ways. From being voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates to earning Eagles “man of the Year’ in 1978 for his numerous charitable activities Papale was an NFL sensation until a shoulder injury ended his playing career in 1979. Having now added “cancer survivor” to his bio, Papale continues to hold the record for being the oldest rookie in the National Football League (kickers excluded). He was recently honored by the Eagles and their fans and was named “Most Outstanding Special Teams Player” during a celebration of the Philadelphia Eagles 75th anniversary.
“Not often can a person see a film made about their own life’s journey,” Papale said of Invincible. “What’s even rarer is having that movie described as inspirational, motivational, and giving hope. There’s a feeling of intense pride and humility that, at times, is overwhelming.”
Vince is married to former US World Team Gymnast, Janet Cantwell, and they reside in Cherry Hill, NJ, with their two children Gabriella and Vincent. Today, he electrifies audiences and is regarded as one of the top motivational speakers on the country. The ultimate underdog continues to thrill audiences with his energy and humor.
Invincible the Movie
Invincible The Movie
From Disney, the studio that brought you Miracle, The Rookie, and Remember the Titans, comes INVINCIBLE, inspired by the true story of Vince Papale, a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true.
When Dick Vermeil, head coach of Vince’s beloved hometown football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time…. no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found in this way. Certainly no one like Vince – a down-on-his-luck, 30-year old substitute teacher and part-time bartender who never even played college football. But against these odds, Vince made the team and soon found himself living every fan’s fantasy – moving from those cheap seats in the upper deck to standing on the field as a professional football player.
“Not often can a person see a film made about their own life’s journey,” said Vince. “What’s even rarer is having that movie described as inspirational, motivational, and giving hope. There’s a feeling of intense pride and humility that, at times, is overwhelming.
“Invincible is not just my story but it can be anyone’s story as well. It’s about having a dream and overcoming the odds, adversity, and obstacles that go with making that dream come true. It’s about anybody who was told they were an underdog or couldn’t do something, yet had the tenacity to pay the price to make their dream come true. It’s about the fulfillment of one’s life potential and the seizing of an incredible opportunity.”
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
LEADERSHIP 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.
MOTIVATION “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
TEAMBUILDING “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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS “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.
EDUCATION & HIGHER LEARNING “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!”
“Hold Fast to Dreams”
“The Last Laugh?from the cheap seats to the sidelines”
“POTENTIAL?from waste to fulfillment”
“DREAMS ARE NOT LIVED ON THE SIDELINES”
Invincible: It’s Never to Late to Achieve Your Goals
My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain
Winning My Battle with Cancer
Videos
Vince Papale
Invincible [2006movie] - Vince Papale Sprint
Books
News
Testimonials
You made our first revival of Father/Sons Dinners very special! Our “men” both young and old, were touched by your words of sincerity.
Father/Sons Dinner, Keynote Speaker
Your message to our students was loud and clear. Hopefully, it will have a lasting effect. All feedback that I received from students and faculty and staff, concerning the luncheon and assembly was positive. Thanks again for your excellent presentation.
William Penn School District. Student’s Achievement Awards Day
On behalf of the Board of Managers of the Camden County Unit of the American Cancer Society, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for making the Monsignor Sharkey Roast a great success. The unit is grateful for your commitment to support the educational and patient service programs of the A.C.S.
American Cancer Society Fund Raiser
What else can I say…you were great! I received calls at the house this morning from parents who thought you were super!
I.B.M. Recognition Picnic
It is refreshing to me to know that there are still people who have achieved celebrity status and who are still willing to take time out of their busy lives for the benefit of area youth. After the banquet, and the days following the same, I received numerous calls and letters about the banquet and everyone was quite impressed with your speech to the kids.
Northampton Indians Football
It is refreshing to me to know that there are still people who have achieved celebrity status and who are still willing to take time out of their busy lives for the benefit of area youth. After the banquet, and the days following the same, I received numerous calls and letters about the banquet and everyone was quite impressed with your speech to the kids.
Northampton Indians Football
You did a great job speaking at the Cingular meeting last week. The employees are still talking about it…you really inspired the gang and generated a lot of enthusiasm…Everybody was very impressed with your story and how you presented it.
AT&T Wireless
Thanks to my dear friend, Vince Papale, our annual Notre Dame/Penn State Banquet was a huge success. You seem to have the unique ability to do a quick overview of an audience, and address your remarks appropriately. I received many comments from members of both clubs telling me how they enjoyed your excellent mix of humor, fun, in addition to your more serious side relative to the remarks you made!
Notre Dame/Penn State Banquet
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