Former University of Delaware wide receiver Vinny Papale is just like hundreds of other college free agents trying to find an NFL home before training camp.
He's already been to a few minicamps this spring after going undrafted, including the Redskins' camp this week, where he was one of 44 unsigned guys just looking to catch a coach's eye.
It's a long shot, but probably not as long as his old man's.
Back in 1976, Vince Papale became an NFL rookie at the age of 30, making the team after a gimmicky community tryout for the team. He was the oldest non-kicker to make the NFL without having even played college ball, but honing his skills in the minor leagues of Philadelphia.
Papale, Sr., was a track star-turned-receiver also and became a gritty special teams captain for the next three seasons. His story was the basis for Mark Wahlberg's "Invincible" in 2006, a real-life Rocky story.
Now, Papale, Jr., becomes one of the most intriguing stories to follow.
"It's awesome just to get an opportunity to play in the NFL," Papale told the D.C. media. "A lot of guys they watched through the draft and didn't even get an opportunity. So just to be one of those guys to get another opportunity to showcase my skills and actually get a chance to play at the next level is awesome."
Papale caught some passes from fellow rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, including two in the end zone. Even if the Redskins don't have a need a receiver, that can't hurt his chances.
"He's a tough guy. He runs everything hard and plays with a lot of passion without a doubt," coach Jay Gruden said afterward. "Very similar to the movie, right? So, I was impressed with him. There were a lot of guys that came out here on a tryout type basis that were very impressive. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of spots right now at this time."
That's the sort of impression that could pay off down the road, especially if the team suffers injuries to other players in front of him. Papale has been on the other side of that coin, as recently as college, when he blew out his ACL. The coaching staff turned over while he was recovering and he had to prove himself to his new coaches in training camp.
"Every time you get on the field or get a rep you better make the most of that opportunity. Every time you get one you've got to make yourself known on film," Papale said. "This film is going to be watched for sure."
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