How much did Vince Papale make in NFL? All you need to know about ex-Eagles WR's earnings

Vince Papale, a former NFL player, spent three years with the Philadelphia Eagles and two with the Philadelphia Bells in the WFL. During his stint in the league, he received several sizable pay cheques.

In his debut year as a Philadelphia Eagle, Papale earned $21,000. That was more than double the amount he was getting paid as a teacher. His salary in his last year was an astounding $42,000. He earned just over $95,000 during his brief three-year NFL career.

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How did Vince Papale get into the NFL?

Vince Papale's narrative is noteworthy, as he had no prior NFL exposure and had competed in track at St. Joseph's University rather than football.

He made a name for himself with the World Football League's Philadelphia Bell in 1974, but the team disbanded the next year. Dick Vermiel, the rookie coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, offered players an outdoor audition camp in 1976.

Despite all the difficulties, Papale made the team after trying out for Vermiel, receiving an invitation to join training camp. Vince Papale played wideout and on special teams for the team for three years.

Papale won the support of his colleagues for the special team two seasons after being selected by the coaching staff due to his exemplary work. Currently, he devotes himself to inspiring others by sharing his stories in an effort to show them that they, too, can accomplish their aspirations.

As a result of a shoulder problem, Papale was forced into retirement in 1979. He played wide receiver for one game in 1977 but spent most of his time on special teams.

Vince Papale just had one offensive reception for 15 yards during the 1977 season, which was his only offensive statistic. However, in a 1977 exhibition game against the Patriots, he scored his first NFL touchdown. This was a significant break — the winning score.

Due to his tenacious drive, Vince Papale remains a firm favorite in south Philadelphia. Nobody anticipated that he would be able to do what he did. Mark Wahlberg memorialized his tale on the big screen. Papale's rookie challenges and what it required for Papale to play for the Eagles were depicted in the Disney movie.

The NFL, Eagles, authorities and even government authorities have given him plenty of praise. Anyone with a dream will find immense encouragement in Papale's narrative. Anyone who wants to take that risk to change their life will find inspiration in his story.