Vince Papale was able to tell his life story in playing in the NFL and the making of the movie “Invincible.”
The Moorestown Breakfast Rotary Club recently hosted “Mr. Invincible” Vince Papale. Papale was able to tell his life story in playing in the NFL and the making of the movie “Invincible,” which exceeded $1 billion in box office receipts.
According to Papale, some of Hollywood’s most inspirational movies were born from the world of sports. In 2006, Walt Disney Pictures continued their triumphant tradition of motivating sports stories with the release of “Invicible.”
Invincible is a 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.
As Papale noted, it was 1976 when this 30-year-old, a teacher and coach at his high school alma mater, part-time bartender and diehard Eagles fan decided to act on a whim and entered the unprecedented public tryouts for his beloved Eagles.
Inspired by the 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 and Americans were battling the lingering effects of Watergate, the Vietnam War and a sweeping energy crisis.
People were badly in need of a champion for their ranks, and Papale delivered. Now, in today’s uncertain economic times, Papale 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 biography, 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.”
Papale resides in Cherry Hill with his wife, former US World Team Gymnast Janet Cantwell, and two children, Gabriella and Vincent.
Today, he electrifies audiences and is regarded as one of the top motivational speakers in the country.
To date, the club has funded scholarships in the amount of more than $250,000, given general charitable donations exceeding $150,000, supported the Paul Harris Foundation with more than $135,000, funded an annual technology school and college scholarship program as well as an annual back pack school program, provided Rotary Youth Leadership Award ( RYLA) scholarships, participated in the Moorestown Citizen of the Year, donated Christmas gift cards to middle school needy children and families and participated in Rotary District 7500 projects such as shelter box, Gift of Life and Polio Plus.
The club holds various fundraising events including a $10,000 dinner to be held on April 27 this year, a pancake breakfast, and partners with the lunch club on the Scott Coffee 8K Rotary Run.
The Rotary Breakfast meetings are held every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. at the Moorestown Community House located at 16 East Main Street. Guests are welcome to arrive 15 minutes early and have a cup of coffee to socialize before we commence our meeting.
Those interested in joining the club can contact board member and previous club president Scott Aschoff at scott.aschoff@icloud.com.
