Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain

I certainly enjoyed reading Invincible. However, my opinion may be bias. You see, I grew up with Vince Papale in Glenolden, PA. We lived about three blocks apart and went to the same schools. I was two years ahead of Vince. My sister and Vince's sister were best friends. I knew almost everyone and everyplace mentioned in the book. Although I didn't see Vince after high school, I followed his career with the Philadelphia Bell, Philadelphia Eagles, and TV sport casting years. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Philadelphia Bell was the star halfback on our high school football team. If you are looking for an inspirational story about a local boy overcoming many obstacles to become a professional football player, this book is for you. Unlike some similar stories (Rocky), this one is true!

Vincee and I first got together at the end of my right knee. We were on opposite sides in Pee Wee football. This story is in the book. The only thing faster than this read is Vincee on the football field or on the track. If you don't come away with a tear in your eye, your not normal. I've know Vincee since we were 11 or 12. But this book reveals the inner guy I never knew. I saw the Movie in Philly and we all stood and clapped. It's been 30 years since that great summer of '76 and it feels like yesterday that I watched Vincee play his first Pre-Season game as an Eagle. To top off that great event it was right here in Canton Ohio (my new adopted town). I just about had a heart attack when I read the program and found the name Vince Papale. Now go out and get this great book. Mike Paynter

This book was an inspiring story of a man who had many things to overcome and based on his personal drive achieved even more than he thought he could... This book is full of life lessons that kids can take a lot out of... Book gave more detail than the movie and was a quick read... Loved it!!!!

Like other reviewers have said, this book tells a great story of a guy who grew up poor, had all the cards stacked agaisnt him and used the doubt people had about him to feed his thirst for success. By comparison, the basic plot of this story reminds me A LOT of "Million Dollar Baby," except Papale doesn't have one person doubting his ability, he has the whole world doubting his dreams of playing football. I thought the book was well written and would be enjoyable for probably any football fan, since the majority of the story does not revolve around Papale playing for the Eagles, but rather tells his whole story from childhood when he played sandlot pickup games to playing organized games later in life.

By now everybody knows the story of Vince Papale. This is a fast moving paperbook story about a man who keeps trying to win approval from his father and never gives up on his dream of playing professional football. It is a quick and enjoyable read. Perfect book for the beach or riding the train. Straight forward, not a lot characters and worthless details -- this book doesn't ramble on. Despite an event that happened 30 years ago, this story never gets old. A poor guy from a blue collar city that captures the heart. I read the book in one weekend. If you are a sports minded individual and you are tired of reading about steroids and self serving biographies, then I highly recommend reading Invincible!!!