Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain (Paperback)

by Vince Papale (Author), Chad Millman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Coming this fall: the tie-in to the Disney Pictures release starring Mark Wahlberg -- the true story of the NFL’s oldest rookie

In 1976, Vince Papale was thirty, a former schoolteacher and part-time bartender, and a season ticket-holder for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. When he heard that Coach Dick Vermeil was holding open tryouts, he decided to give it a shot. Shocking himself and the coaches, he ran an explosive 40-yard-dash in just 4.5 seconds -- a world-class time -- and was offered a contract on the spot. When he joined the team, Papale became the oldest non-kicking rookie in NFL history, a fan favorite who played for four years and was named a team captain.

Invincible is Vince Papale’s story, and a tie-in to the Disney Pictures film of the same name starring Mark Wahlberg as Papale and Greg Kinnear as Vermeil. But more than just a tie-in, it tells Papale’s story in his own words, covering subjects not included in the film. Like Rudy, Glory Road, and Rookie, it is the true story of an ordinary man who achieves an extraordinary goal.

About the Author
Vince Papale is a former Philadelphia Eagles player whose life is the subject of a Disney Pictures movie, coming this fall. Now a sought-after speaker, he lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Chad Millman is the author of the critically acclaimed book The Odds and NFL editor for ESPN the Magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (August 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401308848
• ISBN-13: 978-1401308841
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #346,749 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vincee - Thanks for the Memories !, November 16, 2006

By	J. Michael Paynter "Mikee" (Canton, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Vincee and I first got together at the end of my right knee. We were on opposite sides in Pee Wee football. This story is in the book. The only thing faster than this read is Vincee on the football field or on the track. If you don't come away with a tear in your eye, your not normal. I've know Vincee since we were 11 or 12. But this book reveals the inner guy I never knew. I saw the Movie in Philly and we all stood and clapped. It's been 30 years since that great summer of '76 and it feels like yesterday that I watched Vincee play his first Pre-Season game as an Eagle. To top off that great event it was right here in Canton Ohio (my new adopted town). I just about had a heart attack when I read the program and found the name Vince Papale. Now go out and get this great book. Mike Paynter

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, A Book with a Happy Ending, August 20, 2006

By	L. Charles Wimer III (Coatesville, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

By now everybody knows the story of Vince Papale. This is a fast moving paperbook story about a man who keeps trying to win approval from his father and never gives up on his dream of playing professional football. It is a quick and enjoyable read. Perfect book for the beach or riding the train. Straight forward, not a lot characters and worthless details -- this book doesn't ramble on. Despite an event that happened 30 years ago, this story never gets old. A poor guy from a blue collar city that captures the heart. I read the book in one weekend. If you are a sports minded individual and you are tired of reading about steroids and self serving biographies, then I highly recommend reading Invincible!!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembering the Past, November 17, 2006

By	Gerald N. Gambino "GNG" (Gold Canyon, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain (Hardcover)

I certainly enjoyed reading Invincible. However, my opinion may be bias. You see, I grew up with Vince Papale in Glenolden, PA. We lived about three blocks apart and went to the same schools. I was two years ahead of Vince. My sister and Vince's sister were best friends. I knew almost everyone and everyplace mentioned in the book. Although I didn't see Vince after high school, I followed his career with the Philadelphia Bell, Philadelphia Eagles, and TV sport casting years. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Philadelphia Bell was the star halfback on our high school football team. If you are looking for an inspirational story about a local boy overcoming many obstacles to become a professional football player, this book is for you. Unlike some similar stories (Rocky), this one is true!