Vinny Papale

Vincent Joseph Papale (born October 17, 1996) is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League (USFL). He played college football for Delaware. He previously played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL), TSL Conquerors of The Spring League (TSL), and the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL. He is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Vince Papale, whose career was the basis of the 2006 film Invincible.

For his father, see Vince Papale.
Vinny Papale
New Orleans Breakers
Position:Wide receiver
Personal information
Born: (1996-10-17) October 17, 1996
Cherry Hill, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:Bishop Eustace
(Pennsauken Township, New Jersey)
College:Delaware (2015–2018)
Undrafted:2019
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
  • All-USFL team (2023)
Career USFL statistics as of 2023
Receptions:52
Receiving yards:589
Receiving touchdowns:3

Early life and high school

Vinny Papale was born on October 17, 1996, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.[1] He went to high school at Bishop Eustace High School, playing football, lacrosse, and track & field.[1] Due to the high school's small football team, Papale played on offense, defense, and special teams.[2][1] He was a three-year starter at wide receiver, and two-year starter at defensive back. He was a three-time all-conference selection. He was named team captain as a senior.[1] In his high school career, he contributed 64 receptions for 985 yards, 60 tackles, and seven interceptions.[1] He also was selected to play in the USA Football International Bowl and the Blue-Grey All-America game in 2014.[1]

College career

Papale played college football at the University of Delaware.[3][4] In his first season, he was one of only three true freshmen to see action, appearing in five games.[1] His only statistic was a 28-yard reception.[1] His one catch was the fourth-longest Delaware completion of the season.[1] He made appearances against Lafayette, Villanova, William & Mary, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.[1]

In Papale's sophomore year, he started the first six games before suffering a season-ending injury against William & Mary. He recorded three catches for 42 yards in the season.[1]

He played in all 11 games in 2017, amassing 15 receptions for 178 yards.[1]

He had his best season during his senior year, with 36 catches for 618 yards and 6 touchdowns.[1][5] He played in all 12 games. His best game came against Towson, where he had eight catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.[1]

Professional career

Montreal Alouettes

Following tryouts with the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in May 2019,[6][7][8] he signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in May 2020.[9][10][11] The season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he was released in October.[12]

TSL Conquerors

Papale signed with the Conquerors of The Spring League in 2020.[13] He previously had tryouts in the XFL.[14] He remained with the Conquerors for the 2021 The Spring League season.[15]

Tampa Bay Bandits

Papale was selected in the 17th round of the 2022 USFL draft by the Tampa Bay Bandits.[16] He played in all 10 games, nine as a starter, and posted 19 receptions for 244 yards.[17]

Memphis Showboats

After the 2022 USFL season, Papale and all other Tampa Bay Bandits players were all transferred to the Memphis Showboats after it was announced that the Bandits were taking a hiatus and that the Showboats were joining the league.[18] In the 2023 season, he played in all 10 games and totaled 33 receptions for 345 yards with three touchdowns.[19] He was named to the All-USFL Team as a special teamer.[20]

New Orleans Breakers

On October 25, 2023, Papale signed with the New Orleans Breakers.[21]

Personal life

Vinny is the son of former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Vince Papale, whose career was the basis of the 2006 film Invincible.[22]

References
  1. "Vinny Papale – Football". University of Delaware Athletics.
  2. "Former Bishop Eustace star Vinny Papale working hard toward a shot in the NFL". April 21, 2019.
  3. Greene, Sean. "Blue Hens' WR Papale hoping to craft his own invincible trail". WDEL 101.7FM.
  4. Jensen, Mike. "Vinny Papale scripts his own tale as a University of Delaware receiver". www.inquirer.com.
  5. Whyno, Stephen. "Invincible II? UD's Vinny Papale is a long shot to make an NFL roster". The News Journal.
  6. DiCecco, Andrew (March 23, 2020). "'I Can Play In The NFL': Vinny Papale Steadfast As He Awaits Chance". Inside the Birds. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  7. "Redskins hopeful Vinny Papale follows in his father's Invincible footsteps". NBCSports.com. May 11, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  8. "Vinny Papale Is Trying To Create His Own Legacy". WashingtonFootball.com. May 11, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  9. Ralph, Dan (13 May 2020). "Rookie Alouettes receiver Papale finally getting shot at pro football". The Globe and Mail.
  10. "American receiver Vinny Papale is added to the roster". May 4, 2020.
  11. "Rookie Montreal Alouettes receiver Vinny Papale finally getting shot at pro football - TSN.ca". TSN. The Canadian Press. May 13, 2020.
  12. "2020 CFL Transactions". CFL.ca. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  13. "Conquerors". Archived from the original on 2020-11-01. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  14. "AAF players and Vinny Papale confirmed for XFL DC Summer Showcase". June 14, 2019.
  15. @TheSpringLeague (May 3, 2021). "First look at the #TSLConquerors roster at #TSL2021!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
  16. Erby, Glenn (February 23, 2022). "Son of legendary former Eagles WR Vince Papale selected in the USFL draft by Tampa Bay Bandits". USA Today.
  17. "Vinny Papale Stats". Pro Football Archives.
  18. Knight, Joey. "Tampa Bay Bandits won't play in United States Football League in 2023". tampabay.com. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  19. "Vinny Papale Stats". footballdb.com.
  20. DeArdo, Bryan (June 21, 2023). "All-USFL team announced ahead of postseason: Maulers, Generals tie with five selections each". CBS Sports.
  21. @USFLBreakers (October 25, 2023). "Free Agent Signings" (Tweet). Retrieved October 26, 2023 – via Twitter.
  22. Schad, Tom. "Vinny Papale, son of 'Invincible' main character, seeks his own pro opportunity in XFL". USA TODAY.
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