| abstract | - During the 1970s, the Philadelphia Eagles endure a string of losing seasons and irate fans. To spice things up for his organization, newly hired Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil decides to hold open tryouts in 1976 for a spot on the pro football team's roster. Vince Papale is a 30-year-old bartender who has just lost his part-time teaching job. He had gone to Saint Joseph's University (then known as St. Joseph's College) on a track scholarship. Disgusted with his professional failure his wife, Sharon (Lola Glaudini), abruptly leaves him, taking all of their furniture with her and leaving a note saying that he never will be anything in the world. With the support of all his friends from the neighborhood, Papale goes out for an open tryout practice; catching the attention of coach Vermeil, he is invited to come along to training camp. Papale eventually makes the team, and after a dismal display in the opening game of the season, he recovers a fumble and returns it for a touchdown in the second regular season game versus the New York Giants, which leads to Vermeil's first victory with the Eagles.
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