Synopsis

In 1976, Philadelphia is struggling, and lifelong Eagles fan Vince Papale is coping with unemployment and personal setbacks. When new coach Dick Vermeil announces open tryouts, Papale's friends urge him to participate despite his lack of college football experience. His determination and natural ability earn him an unexpected chance to join the team and inspire a discouraged city.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on the real Vince Papale, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976 at age 30. He had not played college football, making his rise to the NFL highly unusual.

• Papale had already played professional football for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League. The movie leaves out that part of his career and presents the Eagles tryout as his first major opportunity.

• Dick Vermeil's open tryout was a genuine event, although the film reshapes the circumstances surrounding it for dramatic effect. Papale and Vermeil both served as consultants on the production.

• The climactic fumble recovery is based on a real play. However, Papale did not score a touchdown on the play; the film changes the outcome for its finale.

• Papale's real children appear in cameo roles.

• The movie inspired the third-season It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode "The Gang Gets Invincible," in which the characters attempt to try out for the Eagles.