MovieChat Forums > Invincible (2006) Discussion > Did Papale actually scores a TD in real ...

Did Papale actually scores a TD in real life?

posted 17 years ago by carlosvelp2000
4 replies | jump to latest

Just watched the movie. Loved it. Highly inspiring and motivational. Afterwards, went to nfl.com and other web sources but couldn't find a mention of Vince's TD against the Giants after the tackle and fumble recovery (yet the archival footage at the end shows the TD been actually scored).

Does anyone know how that memorable play actually transpired? Was the TD disallowed?

Many thanks to anyone gracious enough to shed some light,

Carlos

[–] lalexan 17 years ago

No, the play was called back as you couldn't advance the ball on a fumble. However, the Eagles did score the winning touchdown shortly after, so he did win the game for them.

[–] carlosvelp2000 17 years ago

Thanks a lot, lalexan! Very gracious of you to take the time.

Best regards,

Carlos

[–] djbell1 17 years ago

On the actual play in real life, it appears to me that the Giant player muffed the ball. A muff (unsuccessful attempt to gain possesion) cannot be advanced by an opposing player. However, in the NFL and in college, a fumble (loss of possesion) can be advanced.

The interesting thing about the actual play is that Papale might have been penalized for a halo violation, but I don't believe there was a such a rule then. He might have interfered with the receiver.

The actual play itself is very bizarre indeed. There were two Giant players at the point of the reception. Papale took them both out.

Also, after he ran the ball into the end zone, he himself and a person standing on the sideline appeared to celebrate as if a touchdown was scored.

Papale probably thought he was advancing a fumble. He never scored an NFL touchdown. Would sure like to see more films of his playing. He was truly remarkable.

Anyway, it was a great movie. Done very well

[–] jefgg 12 years ago

The referees called the play a "muff", not a fumble, and thus the ball cannot be advanced beyond the drop. Vince Papale never scored a touchdown in the NFL.