Invincible and Steadfast Faith

In 1976, a 30-year-old local man made the 53-man roster for his hometown team. He was a bartender and part-time teacher while down on his luck. He would go on to play three seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. The account of his journey to the NFL was highlighted in the Disney film Invincible.

Invincible tells the larger-than-life story of Vince Papale, who became the oldest rookie in the NFL. He played one year of high school football and was a member of the Philadelphia Bell a World Football League that didn’t last long. (Fun fact: his son, Vinny Jr is a convert to the faith).

The movie highlights his rookie season and even his struggles that led him to become an underdog. It also gives us lessons that correlate to our faith.

Steadfast Faith

Papale had much stacked against him. It would’ve been easy for him to give up, yet he persevered. He faced hardships like his divorce and job loss.

He kept his faith and resisted those who doubted his ability. Sometimes we can be like Papale. What will make us like him is overcoming the tribulations in our lives by relying on God.

Power of Community

Papale didn’t make the cut on his own. Coach Vermeil believed in him. His friends, girlfriend Janet, and even his father all pulled for him. They laid the groundwork for him to lay everything on the gridiron to become a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Like Papale, the right people to build us up are those who want to see us succeed in life.

Even Papale reflected on the monumental achievement when he said, “Surround yourself with a good team because the teamwork makes the dream work. Surround yourself with a good team, and if you hustle, you work hard, you have a good attitude, you can do it.”

Belief in Self

Papale never gave up. He worked hard to ensure his spot to help his hometown team return to its glory days. Though he could’ve easily given in to those attending camp, he never once gave up. He kept going. All because he never surrendered to pressure. He stepped into the unknown and never looked back.

Papale lived a resilient faith. He was an underdog from South Philly who never looked back. He helped his community believe again in just his three years in the NFL.

Invincible assembled an all-star cast anchored by Mark Wahlberg, who portrays this real-life Rocky. It is one of the best sports films made by Disney as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Invincible gets a 4 out of 5.