The Wounded Warriors Amputee Football Team took on select NFL Alumni/Media before the Philadelphia Soul’s home game against the Orlando Predators recently in honor of Military Appreciation Night. The challenge pitted men and women who lost a limb during service in Iraq or Afghanistan against a team of more than 25 former players from the Philadelphia Eagles and other NFL teams.
Former NFL players included Brian Westbrook, AJ Feeley, Ike Reese and Mike Mamula. The event was hosted by Ron Jaworski and Vince Papale, and took place at the Wells Fargo Center. The game ended in a final score of 63 to 35, bringing the Wounded Warrior Amputees to an undefeated 8-0 record against NFL alumni teams.
“They called me because of the movie ‘Invincible’ but these are guys who are what invincible spirit is all about,” said Vince Papale. “It’s pretty amazing with their resiliency and the guts they have.” Soul owner Ron Jaworksi served as the coach of the Alumni/Media squad. His team also featured former Eagles Garry Cobb, Vince Papale, Bill Bergey, Mike Mamula, Thomas Tapeh, Gerry Feehery, Kevin Reilly, Lee Woodall, Ken Dunek, Bruce Laird, Jack Dolbin, Chris Draft, Dave Vobora and Kyle Eckel. Baltimore Ravens assistant coach Randy Brown, former Temple University quarterback Adam Dimichele, 6ABC’s Walter Perez, USA soccer star Heather Mitts and former Soul defensive back Keita Crespina rounded out the group.
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team is a group set out to raise awareness and support for wounded warriors and their families. The team is comprised of several service members that now use a prosthetic device in their everyday lives. This exemplifies the perseverance of our service men and women, both active and former, which continue to face life’s challenges without excuses.
Learn more about the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team and its annual games and events by visiting woundedwarrioramputeefootballteam.org.