Vince Papale to Attend Soul Open Tryouts
Published on October 17, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (October 17, 2011) - 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, October 22, 2011. The tryouts begin at 8 a.m. at the NovaCare Complex, home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles. Pre-registration can be done by logging onto www.philadelphiasoul.com .
"We are looking for high-character people who are good football players," said Soul co-majority owner and current ESPN Monday Night Football 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."
The Soul found three players - Nyere Aumaitre, Jerome Hayes and Keith Stokes - that became starters from last year's open tryout.
Philadelphia Soul head coach Doug Plank, general manager Tom Goodhines and assistant head coach Clint Dolezel will conduct the workouts. No kickers will be evaluated at 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.
A pre-registration fee of $60 can be applied using PayPal at www.philadelphiasoul.com . Registration on the day of the event will require an application fee of $80 (cash or cashier's check only).
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