Who Is Vince Papale? Age, Biography and Wiki
Vince Papale, born on February 9, 1946, is a retired American football player known for his remarkable journey from a bartender to an NFL player. He gained national fame as a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Papale’s story was inspirational enough to be adapted into the 2006 Disney film "Invincible." As of 2025, Papale is 79 years old, and his legacy in sports continues to inspire many.
| Occupation | Football Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1946 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Glenolden, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Vince Papale's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Vince Papale stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm) and weighed around 190 pounds (86 kg) during his playing career. His athletic build and exceptional speed were crucial elements that contributed to his success on the field. While specific body measurements may vary, his stature was impressive for his era, showcasing the spirit and tenacity that characterized his gameplay.
Papale eventually made the team, thereby becoming, at age 30, the oldest rookie non-kicker in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience. He went on to play wide receiver and special teams for the Eagles from 1976 through 1978.
During that time, he played in 41 of 44 regular season games (regular seasons being 14 games in 1976–1977 and 16 games in 1978), recording two fumble recoveries and one 15-yard reception. He was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates and "Man of the Year" by the Eagles in 1978 for his many charitable activities.
A shoulder injury ended his career in 1979. After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years, then became a commercial mortgage banker.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Vince Papale has had a fulfilling personal life. He was married to Janet Papale, with whom he has two children. Though currently retired, Papale remains close to his family, often participating in events that support sports and community outreach. As of 2025, there have been no publicized updates regarding Papale's dating status, but he has consistently expressed his value of family and his commitment to remaining a positive influence in the lives of his loved ones.
Previously, Papale was the regional director of marketing and senior account executive for higher-education marketing at Sallie Mae. He resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with his wife Janet and two children, Gabriella and Vinny, and remains a diehard Philadelphia Eagles football fan.
He is also currently listed as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. His son Vinny played wide receiver for the University of Delaware Blue Hens, the Tampa Bay Bandits, and is currently with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Vince Papale's estimated net worth is around $4 million. His earnings come from various sources, including his NFL career, public speaking engagements, endorsements, and involvement in charity work. While his professional football salary during his time with the Eagles was modest compared to today’s standards, his life after sports has seen a diverse range of income opportunities.
Career, Business and Investments
Vince Papale's career in professional football, he played three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1978. Following his NFL career, Papale transitioned into a successful career in business and became a motivational speaker, sharing his story of perseverance and ambition. He has also been involved in real estate and various investments, further securing his financial stability post-football.
Social Network
Vince Papale maintains a social media presence, engaging with fans and sharing insights from his life and career. He is active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares motivational content, updates on his events, and reflections on his football career. Following him reveals not just his love for sports but also the values he stands for in personal growth and resilience.
Vincent Francis Papale (born February 9, 1946) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver. He played three seasons with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, primarily on special teams, following two seasons with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League (WFL). Papale's story was the inspiration behind the 2006 film Invincible.
Education
Vince Papale attended Montclair State University, where he played college football and earned a degree in education. His educational background laid the foundation for his later pursuits in sports and business, supporting his journey to becoming an inspirational figure in American football.
In his only year of varsity football, Papale won All-Delaware County Honorable Mention honors. In track, he was a standout pole vaulter, triple jumper, and long jumper. He began competing in track during his senior year at Interboro.
He won the District I (Philadelphia suburban area) large-schools championship in pole vault, then finished fourth in the Pennsylvania state meet. Papale's best pole vault that year was 12 ft, which edged him into the top 10 of all-time Pennsylvania high school vaulters.
