ATLANTIC CITY — Fifty years after Vince Papale completed one of the most improbable journeys in Philadelphia sports history, another Papale is preparing to represent his country on one of sports' biggest stages.
This time, it's his son.
Vinny Papale helped Italy's men's national flag football team qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
His father, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and special teams standout Vince Papale, could hardly contain his excitement while discussing the achievement on The AC Mike Lopez Show on WOND (weekdays, 12-1p).
“Vinnie's qualified for the Olympics,” Papale said. “And we're really excited.”
It isn't merely a proud father's assessment.
Italy secured its Olympic berth Aug. 15 by defeating Canada 41-36 in the semifinals of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany. Italy advanced to the championship game, where it ultimately earned the silver medal behind the United States. The International Federation of American Football later formally confirmed Italy's qualification for Los Angeles.
Vinny Papale was part of the Italian team, adding a remarkable new chapter to a family football story that Hollywood already found worthy of a movie. NBC Sports noted the connection when reporting on the world championships, identifying Vinny as the son of the former Eagle whose story inspired the 2006 movie Invincible.
Another unlikely Papale football journey
Vince Papale told Lopez his son's path wasn't exactly conventional, either.
Vinny played wide receiver at the University of Delaware and later spent five years playing in spring football leagues. As he worked to obtain dual citizenship, a connection in Italy helped lead him toward the country's developing flag football program.
“They actually aided us, and between the two embassies working together, got Vinnie his Italian citizenship and now a place for their flag football team,” Papale said.
Vinny's Olympic ambitions weren't something that materialized overnight.
He was already playing wide receiver for Italy at the 2024 world championships, and in a 2024 interview with La Repubblica, he talked openly about his dream of helping Italy reach the Los Angeles Olympics.
Now they've done it.
Italy's Olympic committee called the qualification historic. Men's flag football coach Massimiliano Bonomo's team became the first Italian team to qualify for LA28 and reached a world championship final for the first time.
The moment also arrives at an almost storybook time for the Papale family.
50 years after Vince became an Eagle
It was 50 years ago, in 1976, that Vince Papale showed up for an open tryout conducted by new Eagles coach Dick Vermeil.
Papale had not played college football, but he impressed Vermeil enough to earn a chance at training camp and ultimately make the team. He played three seasons for Philadelphia from 1976 through 1978.
Papale recalled asking Vermeil years later what the coach had seen in him.
“I saw one of the fastest guys I've ever seen in my life,” Papale recalled Vermeil telling him.
Papale said he was running the 40-yard dash in the 4.4- to 4.5-second range on grass.
“He was looking for that one guy,” Papale said of Vermeil. “And I happened to be that one guy.”
The story eventually became the basis for Invincible, the 2006 Disney movie starring Mark Wahlberg as Papale.
That movie turns 20 this year — another anniversary Papale is celebrating.
He recalled that Invincible had a particularly memorable connection to the Jersey Shore.
Papale said he remembers the movie being shown at a theater on the Ocean City Boardwalk on a rainy day, with moviegoers showing up decked out in Eagles gear.
“They said everybody was there in Eagles jerseys and Eagles uniforms,” Papale said. “And it was so cool.”
‘The perfect trifecta’
But his son's Olympic achievement isn't the only reason Papale is celebrating.
He recently became a grandfather when his daughter Gabrielle gave birth to a daughter, Evelina.
“Gabrielle is my baby,” Papale said. “So my baby's having a baby.”
Papale said his daughter recently sent him a photograph of Evelina already dressed in Eagles gear.
“It's so exciting,” he said.
And there is another, considerably more serious reason Papale is grateful.
During his WOND appearance, Papale revealed that he recently underwent treatment for prostate cancer.
“I'm a two-time cancer survivor,” Papale said.
Papale said he underwent proton radiation treatment and “rang the bell” March 6 after completing treatment. His earlier battle with colorectal cancer has been publicly documented; his comments to Lopez provided a personal update about his latest cancer treatment.
Put together, Papale described the developments in his life as a “perfect trifecta”: his son's Olympic qualification, becoming a grandfather and celebrating his 33rd wedding anniversary with his wife, Janet.
Papale still misses the Jersey Shore
Papale joined Lopez from Jupiter, Florida, but it didn't take long for the conversation to turn toward South Jersey.
And Papale made it clear that Florida beaches haven't replaced the Jersey Shore in his heart.
“There's nothing better than the Jersey Shore, man,” Papale said. “I tell you, I was at the beach just the other day in South Florida and it just doesn't compare.”
What does he miss?
The boardwalks. The children. The lifeguards. The boats. The umbrellas. The atmosphere.
“I miss the boardwalks so bad,” Papale said, recalling the days when he would run and later bike on them.
Papale also said he expects to return to Atlantic City for a future speaking engagement.
For now, though, one of Philadelphia's most famous underdog stories has another unlikely chapter.
Half a century after Vince Papale got his chance and became a Philadelphia Eagle, his son got his.
And Vinny Papale will be taking his to the Olympics.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
