Bear Down Sunday: Game #15

The Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles are both 8-6 and fighting to stay in first place in their respective divisions.  Representing the game and the fight today is Vince Papale, a member of the Eagles for three seasons in the late 70's.

Papale was an unlikely NFL player.  He previously played in the World Football League, but he was 30 when he made the roster of the Eagles.  He is the oldest non-kicker to make an NFL debut.  Papale's story was told in the 2006 movie Invincible

I had the pleasure of meeting Papale at a Global Traveler event a couple years ago.  He was quite an engaging guy.  He might be the most social of all of the guests GT has ever had.  We talked about football and pretty much everything eklse.  He also gave me a JohngysBeat.com promo, which can be found in the right column on this page.

Papale was like a real-life Rocky.  He was an inspiration.  He fought his way onto the roster and made an impact on their special teams.  He did also catch one pass in his career.Today's game is going to be a battle.  Both teams need the win.  Will it come down to which team wants it more or will it just be a matter of talent and luck?  Who knows?  Either way, it should be an exciting battle.

Louie Atsaves, Vince Papale and me in New York, NY-January 2011.

Bear Down Sunday #8 (Really on a Monday)

The Chicago Bears (4-3) are facing the Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) tomorrow.  This is sort of a Global Traveler battle with a celebrity connection thrown into the mix.
I am based out of Chicago.  The Global Traveler world headquarters is based out of the Philadelphia area.  The rivalry is a natural, except Chicago hasn't done much to make it a competitive one.  Like most Chicago fans, I remain optimistic.
As for the celebrity connection, earlier this year, former Eagles star Vince Papale was the Guest of Honor at GT's annual awards event.  Papale was a walk-on who became a cult hero and the subject of the movie Invincible.
Papale was one of the best celebs to appear for GT.  His speech was inspirational and humorous.  He eagerly posed for photos and signed pictures.  He also stayed around all night talking to everyone and sharing stories of his career and the movie.  It was a great time.
With all due respect to my fellow paison Papale, I am still hoping for the Bears to crush the Eagles tomorrow!

 Vince Papale and me in New York, NY-January 2011.

Vince Papale Joins the Jay Leno Club

Vince Papale has accomplished a lot in his life.  He caught the first pass in the history of the World Football League.  He tried out for and made the Philadelphia Eagles at the age of 30, thus becoming the oldest non-kicker rookie in the history of the NFL.  He was named special teams captain.  He was the subject of the movie Invincible.  Perhaps most importantly, he is a cancer survivor.  Papale added one more line to his impressive resume on January 18, 2011.
Papale asked me if anyone ever mentioned that I look like Jay Leno.  With that simple question, Papale joined the very exclusive Jay Leno Club, which is comprised of various celebrities who have mentioned my alleged resemblance to Jay Leno.  The Jay Leno Club now stands at nine members, including Patrick Warburton and wrestling personalities Evil Zebra, King Kong Bundy, the Iron Sheik, Larry Zbyszko, Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs and Terri Runnels.
Who knows when and where another celebrity will make question me about my Jay Leno resemblance?  When it happens, I will be sure to induct that celebrity into the club and report it right here!

Vince Papale Loves Johngy's Beat

Vince Papale was the Guest Speaker at the recent Global Traveler Awards event.  Papale was the NFL's oldest (non-kicker) rookie and the subject of the movie Invincible, which starred Mark Wahlberg.
Papale never played football in college, but was a great athlete.  In his late 20's, he tried out and made the Philadelphia Bell of the now-defunct World Football League.  After about a year and a half, shortly after the WFL folded, Papale got a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles and made the team.  He became a special teams standout and played for 3 seasons.
After his speech, Papale mingled with everyone at the GT event.  He really was a great guy.  Before the evening ended, he took a moment to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat.