Vince Papale Biography

Vincent Francis Papale, born on February 9, 1946, is an American former professional football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League. He played three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, primarily contributing on special teams after two seasons with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League. In his only year of varsity football, Papale earned All-Delaware County Honorable Mention recognition. Papale attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where he competed on a track scholarship as the university did not have a football team. At the time, he was a teacher at Interboro High School and coached the junior varsity football team when he tried out for the Philadelphia Bell as a wide receiver. In 1975, Papale caught one pass, which resulted in a forty-nine-yard touchdown. In 1976, his performance with the Philadelphia Bell led to a private workout with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil, arranged after general manager Jim Murray secured his invitation.