"Vince Papale,'' the coach says softly, his mind drifting. "He was the fastest man on our field. "I guess, underdogs, I've always had a soft spot for them. It's why watching Jarryd's story ... he does remind me of him". And as far as NFL compliments go, Hayne will never receive bigger.

Understanding that when Coach Vermeil talks about 'him', he means Vincent Francis Papale — the greatest underdog story in NFL history. A Philadelphia bartender — and Eagles season ticket holder, no less — who back in '76 arrived at a club so deserted of talent, they opened summer trials to the public.

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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/