Vincent Papale is a former professional football player .He attended Interboro High School in Prospect Park and lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. In his only year of varsity football, Papale won All-Delaware County Honorable Mention honors.

Papale attended Philadelphia's Saint Joseph's University on a track scholarship (the university did not have a football team). Papale's post-collegiate football career began with the Aston Green Knights of the semi-pro Seaboard Football League. At that time, Papale was a teacher at Interboro High School and was coaching the junior varsity football team when he successfully tried out for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League as a wide receiver. He played three seasons with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles following two seasons with the Philadelphia Bell. He made his NFL debut at age 30, becoming the oldest rookie ever to play in the NFL at the time.

Papale's story was the inspiration behind the 2006 film Invincible. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Papale has recovered from the disease, to become a spokesman encouraging people to get regular check-ups. Papale is a sought after motivational speaker.