Dream big

After opening on August 25, the movie Invincible was the top movie for three consecutive weeks. The movie Invincible is based on the life of Vince Papale. Vince had a dream. His dream was to play professional football. He had graduated from Philadelphia's University on a track scholarship. He played in the World Football League for two years until it folded in 1975. At 30 years of age, his prospects for playing in the NFL were remote to say the least.

Enter Dick Vermeil. Dick also had a dream. A college coach at UCLA, he wanted to coach professional football. In 1976 he was hired as head coach by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was facing some big challenges, especially since the team was coming off of 11 straight loosing seasons. As a publicity stunt, he decided to publicize an open tryout in the Philadelphia area. He admits that he was more interested in stirring up the team than finding new players.

Vince Papale tried out and so impressed Vermeil with his speed and grace that he received an offer to attend training camp and eventually earned a place on the team. At the age of 30, Papale became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience. He went on to play wide receiver and special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 through 1978. During that time, he played in 41 of 44 regular season games recording two fumble recoveries and one fifteen-yard reception. He was voted Special Teams Captain by his teammates, and "Man of the Year" by the Eagles in 1978 for his many charitable activities. A shoulder injury ended his career in 1979. After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a TV and radio broadcaster for eight years, then became a commercial mortgage banker.

What is your dream? Psalm 34:12 teaches us to “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I hope your heart desire is something more noble and enduring than just playing in the NFL. God is looking for men with pure desires who will plant them by faith in the will of God and trust they will return in His perfect timing. I challenge you to dream great dreams for God and then watch Him bring them to fruition.

Shoulder to shoulder,

Gregg