Papale, Maclin, Thomas to Attend Soul Open Tryout this Saturday
Published on January 16, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (January 16, 2013) - The Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League today announce that former Philadelphia Eagle, Vince Papale, will attend the team's open tryouts on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Current Eagles' wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and former Eagle lineman Hollis Thomas have also confirmed their attendance at the tryout.
On the day of the tryout, registration will begin at 8 a.m., with stretching starting promptly at 9 a.m. at the NovaCare Complex, home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. Pre-registration can be done by logging onto www.philadelphiasoul.com . The cost of the tryout is $60 for those who pre-register and $80 at the door by cash, money order or certified funds only. A t-shirt will be included in the cost and all fees are non-refundable.
"We are looking for high-character people who are good football players," said Soul co-majority owner and current ESPN broadcaster, Ron Jaworski. "We will go to any means to find them - we will scout AFL rosters, NFL rosters, CFL rosters, UFL rosters, NCAA rosters. Our goal is to put together the best roster we can. If we can find a player who has slipped by some other teams or other leagues, that's fine. Dick Vermeil did the same thing back in the day and that brought Vince Papale to the Eagles."
Vince Papale was a 30-year old bartender and teacher when, in 1976, Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil held open tryouts for the NFL team. Papale, who was an Eagles season ticket holder, impressed enough not just to make the team but to play in the NFL for three seasons. His story was so remarkable that it became "Invincible," one of Disney's top grossing movies.
"It's about opportunity," says Papale. "I applaud the Soul for sharing this opportunity with their fan base. Now it's up to those people who want to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their abilities and create something for themselves."
Philadelphia Soul head coach Clint Dolezel, general manager Tom Goodhines and the Soul coaching and scouting staff will conduct the workouts. Kickers will be evaluated and are asked to come starting at 11 a.m. for this tryout. Players will be tested on their 40-yard time, broad jump and short shuttle, with other position-specific drills and one-on-ones to follow. Please bring appropriate workout gear and shoes. Testing will take place on field turf, so metal cleats are not permitted. A trainer will be on hand for emergencies only - not for player taping.
The Soul recently signed two players - wide receiver Tyrone Collins (6'0, 200, Wagner) and wide receiver Ryan McDaniel (6'3, 198, Samford) - from the last tryouts on Oct. 20, 2012. The Soul also signed Alfonso Hoggard, Kiano Prater and Phil Marfuggi from tryouts in 2012.
Arena Football League Stories from January 16, 2013
- AFL to Debut New Logo, Website - AFL
- Sharks Add Veteran Jerry Turner to D-Line - Jacksonville Sharks
- Gladiators Announce Promotional Schedule - Cleveland Gladiators
- VooDoo Picks up Former Saint Larry Beavers - New Orleans VooDoo
- Storm To Host Open Tryout Saturday, January 26 - Tampa Bay Storm
- Papale, Maclin, Thomas to Attend Soul Open Tryout this Saturday - Philadelphia Soul
- Star AFL Receiver Has Olympic Dreams - Utah Blaze
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
