Jan 13 2025
Vince Papale has one of the most quintessential underdog stories in sports history and a Walt Disney film based on his life.
Vince Papale is a former professional football player, most notable for becoming a Philadelphia Eagle in 1976 at the age of 30 as the oldest rookie ever in the history of the NFL to have not played football in college. Vince played for the Eagles for three years – including being named Special Teams captain by his teammates. Walt Disney Pictures produced a movie based off of his journey, Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg in 2006.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-510-6607 to book Vince Papale for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field, so whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting, or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
Vince Papale has the best underdog story in NFL history.
In 1976 after multiple unsuccessful seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles fired their head coach and hired Dick Vermeil. One of Vermeil’s first decisions as head coach was a bold one – a citywide open tryout for the Eagles. At the time, Vince was working as a part-time bartender, nightclub doorman, and substitute teacher during a leave of absence from teaching at Interboro High School.
When he was a student at Interboro, Vince earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. However, he excelled at pole vaulting which got him his full scholarship to Saint Joseph’s University, which did not have a football team.
After graduating from Saint Joseph’s in 1968 with a business degree, Vince went back to his alma mater, Interboro, teaching and coaching there for 6 years. He began working on his master’s degree in Secondary Counseling at West Chester State Teachers College and figured he would retire after a career in education. However, football was Vince’s passion. Eventually in 1975, he successfully tried out for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League as a wide receiver, necessitating his leave of absence from Interboro. In fact, Vince caught the first pass in the history of the World Football League. Then in 1976, the opportunity of his lifetime came – an open tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vince made the team and became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL. He played four seasons with the Eagles and was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates before a shoulder injury ended his career in 1979. Vince was also commended by his teammates off the field, earning the Eagles’ 1978 Man of the Year honors for his charitable activities.
After retiring with the Eagles following the 1979 season, Vince worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for 8 years. He then entered the world of commercial mortgage banking becoming Marketing Executive & Special Projects Director for Sallie Mae. In 2006, a movie about Vince, Invincible, was released by Walt Disney Pictures. Today, the film still endures as a fan favorite nearly 20 years later. Now, Vince Papale is an applauded keynote and motivational speaker.
Vince is a great keynote speaker for any engagement. His story goes well beyond sports, offering lessons about resilience that fit every audience. Not many people have the opportunity to play in the NFL, and even fewer have a movie based on their life story.
Vince uses the twists and turns of his life not only to entertain sports fans but to inspire corporate audiences to live in the moment. There is so much more to Vince’s story than can fit in his bio including his mother’s mental health issues, the bullying he endured early in his NFL career, the business lessons he learned at Sallie Mae, and his battle with cancer. Ultimately, Vince’s story and the lessons he imparts in his keynote can help anyone become just as invincible as he has.
Find out how to hire Vince Papale to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about Vince Papale’s availability and cost. When booking Vince Papale for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. Vince Papale is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG Vince Papale booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.
How much to book Vince Papale depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire Vince Papale for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, Vince Papale is available for conferences, festivals, private parties and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.
Our speakers are in high demand! View their upcoming events.
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, and your more serious side. – Notre Dame/Penn State Banquet
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. – John Caras, AT&T
It is a pleasure to meet and speak with someone who has participated in professional sports and knows what a privilege it is to be so gifted and motivated to be able to perform. And, not only to perform, but perform as well as you did. Your enthusiasm for sports and life is to be admired. – Union League of Philadelphia
Your personal appearance added a lot of much deserved excitement to our reward assembly. The books you donated to our library are already a hot commodity. It is because of people like you that our schools are successful. As Principal of VMS, I am extremely proud to work with such wonderful people in our community. Thanks again! – Diane Young, Principal, Voorhees Middle School (NJ)
