Leathernecks "Invincible" in Movie

Former players appeared in Disney/NFL film

Two former Leatherneck football players- CoCo Blalock and Sam Clemons '02-had roles in the August 2006 Disney/NFL Films movie "Invincible." The film took in an estimated $17 million on its opening weekend.

Both former Leathernecks are members of the Arena Football League. Blalock, who most recently played for the Las Vegas Gladiators, portrayed Philadelphia Eagles player Tom Sullivan in the film. Clemons, who played for the New York Dragons in the 2006 season, won the role of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. 

"Invincible" tells the true story of former Philadelphia Eagle Vincent Papale, played by Mark Wahlberg. Papale, the oldest non-kicking rookie in football history, made the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976 after attending an open tryout for the team.

Many of the players used in the film were active AFL players. For "Invincible," all of the AFL players attended a two-week pre-filming training camp. Similar to a real training camp, the players practiced offense, defense and special teams in preparation for filming. 

Papale was the "real-life Rocky." When Dick Vermeil took over as head coach of the Eagles, partially as a publicity stunt and partially to send a message to his players, he announced an open tryout at a Philadelphia park. Anyone in town could show up and try out for the Eagles. At the time, Papale was a 30-year-old bartender and upper-deck Eagles season ticket-holder who had never played college football. Papale showed up for the tryout, and through an amazing and uplifting set of circumstances, he ultimately earned a spot on the Eagles' team. He was the club's special teams ace and played three-plus seasons for Philly before retiring at age 35.

Blaylock starred for Western after transferring from Iowa Lakes Community College, according to the Las Vegas Gladiators web page. He started in all 11 games for the Leathernecks while averaging 11.7 yards per reception, and was second on the team with 22 receptions and 36.6 yards per game rushing. Clemons, who split his collegiate career between the University of California (1998-1999) and Western (2000-2001), also had a role as Adam Sandler's stunt double in "The Longest Yard."

 

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