The city of Philadelphia is famous for many heartfelt stories and none more legendary than Vince Papale’s journey from being a school teacher to a three-year stint on the Eagles practice squad.
Papale became the oldest rookie to play in the NFL after landing a tryout with the Eagles in 1976. The athletic, 6-foot-2, 195-pound wide receiver had one catch in three seasons but became a special teams standout and had his story turned into a 2006 movie, Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg.
The educator turned NFL player is still focused on serving the community and has become a top ambassador for the NFL Alumni Association’s Tackle Obesity initiative.
Things started with a challenge to Papale’s friend and late Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, who was inspired to lose some weight back in 2020. Papale stated that 16-18 former NFL players could lose upwards of 35 pounds, creating the initial name for the initiative, Hudde Up and Let’s Talk about Obesity.
The name has been changed to Tackle Obesity, but the goal remains: encouraging people of all ages to eat healthy, exercise, and avoid poor life habits.
We sat down with Papale, who announced that the NFL Alumni Association’s Tackle Obesity initiative has partnered with the Obesity Action Coalition, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and the American Cancer Society.
This weekend’s Rocky Run will highlight the collaboration of different agencies.
To discuss the festivities, the Eagles Super Bowl hopes, and more, Papale sat down with The Eagles Wire to talk about how he tackled obesity, his beautiful wife Janet Kent, his talented son and UFL receiver Vinny Papale, and whether Nick Sirianni’s team has what it takes to win a Super Bowl.
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:08
Tackling Obesity: The NFL Alumni Initiative
05:19
Personal Health Journey and Lifestyle Choices
08:29
The Rocky Run: Community and Health Awareness
11:17
Eagles Team Insights and Family Legacy
