To spice things up for his organization, Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil decided to hold open tryouts for a spot on the pro football team's roster. Vince Papale is a 30-year-old bartender who has just lost his part-time teaching job. Disgusted with his professional failure, his wife abruptly leaves him, taking all of their furniture with her and leaving a note saying that he never will be anything in the world. With the support of all his friends from the neighborhood, Papale (Mark Wahlberg), goes out for an open tryout practice; catching the attention of Coach Vermeil, he is invited to come along to training camp. Papale eventually makes the team.