Vinny Papale

Vincent Joseph Papale (born October 17, 1996) is an American football wide receiver for the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL). 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''.

Early life and high school

Vinny Papale was born on October 17, 1996, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He went to high school at Bishop Eustace High School, playing football, lacrosse, and track & field. Due to the high school's small football team, Papale played on offense, defense, and special teams. 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. In his high school career, he contributed 64 receptions for 985 yards, 60 tackles, and seven interceptions. He also was selected to play in the USA Football International Bowl and the Blue-Grey All-America game in 2014.

College career

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

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.

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

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

Professional career

Montreal Alouettes

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

TSL Conquerors

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

Tampa Bay Bandits

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

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. In the 2023 season, he played in all 10 games and totaled 33 receptions for 345 yards with three touchdowns. He was named to the All-USFL Team as a special teamer.

New Orleans Breakers

On October 25, 2023, Papale signed with the New Orleans Breakers. The Breakers folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).

Memphis Showboats (second stint)

On January 5, 2023, Papale was drafted by the Showboats.

Personal life

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

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Papale, Vinny
1996 births
Living people
Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens football players
Montreal Alouettes players
The Spring League players
Bishop Eustace Preparatory School alumni
Sportspeople from Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Tampa Bay Bandits (2022) players
Memphis Showboats (2022) players
New Orleans Breakers (2022) players