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The Last Laugh: Vision to Victory
2018 Dennis Franks & Vince Papale. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, or photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the author.
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Mascot Books
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ISBN-13: 978-1-68401-615-0
Table of Contents
We dedicate this book to our parents:
You gave us the DNA for strength, speed, and agility, but even more importantly, you passed on the wisdom we needed to have our last laugh.
No doubt we are among yours.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
| Co-writer Bonnie Church worked tirelessly alongside us to conceptualize, develop, and write The Last Laugh . She has been a ghostwriter, contributing writer, journalist, and self-help columnist for more than thirty years. Dennis Franks mentored Bonnie and her husband, Michael, in their rise from the creative underclass to the world of successful entrepreneurship. Writing is now her side hustle. Matching people to the resources they need to live the life they want is her passion. Visit her at bonniechurch.com |
DENNIS FRANKS
In success, there are always important people and influences that help form the mold that makes you. I acknowledge the following people for their support. To my amazing wife, Nancy, who has stood by my side throughout my post-football days and my entire business career, supporting my dreams and helping make them realities. My beautiful daughters, Lauren and Katie, who have made me proud throughout their lives, creating a new dimension to our thinking and existence. My parents, Don and Inge Franks, who have passed but have kept a special eye over me with their countless lessons and values by which I still live. Brother Don, an amazing example of intelligence and drive throughout his career, who showed me I could be so much more than a football player. Sister Claudia, for the many calls and letters of encouragement that made me feel like I could conquer the world. Your words and love will always be close to my heart. To my second parents and in-laws, Barb and Jim Haslett, your love and support has been a constant reminder to keep balance in my life. To my coachesin high school, the late Rudy Andebaker; in college, the late Bo Schembechler; in the pros, Dick Vermeil and Monte Clarka huge thank you for your discipline and values, which have influenced my life in and outside of football. Your teachings have stayed with me throughout the journey. To my good friend Kevin Buckman, the professorso many miles we have traveled and so many learning experiences. My business partners of twenty-five years, JR Ridinger, Loren Ridinger, Marty Weissman, Marc Ashley, and Joe Bolyardwhat an amazing learning curve to success! Finally, my hard-working assistant of twenty years, Yvonneyour love and caring for me kept me on schedule, making even the impossible days possible.
VINCE PAPALE
I am inspired everyday by MY WHY: Janet, Gabby, and Vinny. To my Mom & Dad, Almira & Kingie, thanks for giving me the strength to chase my dream. I will always be grateful to these coaches and teachers for believing in me and my vision: George Corner, Dick Vermeil, Lou Nicastro, Marty Stern, and Kevin Quinn. I cant ever forget the thrill of being portrayed on the silver screen. Thanks to the All-Pro Invincible Team: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Ken Mok, Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, Brian Nguyen, and, of course, Walt Disney Productions.
Finally, a special thanks to all of those who doubted me: you provided me with the fuel to do the impossible.
FOREWORD
MARK WAHLBERG, Academy Award-nominated actor and entrepreneur
I d grown up playing a lot of sandlot football, but until I had the opportunity to play the role of Vince Papale in the Disney film Invincible , I had never put the pads on. Once I was wearing number 83, I had the chance to step into a legends shoes.
I love the underdog story, and I love the idea of the guy, the ordinary guy, doing something impossible. Vince has heart, and thats what inspired so many people and gave a city hope. Thats why there isnt a person from Philadelphia, not a single Eagles fan, who doesnt know his name.
Dennis Franks, Vinces adversary turned best friend, has a dark horse story of his own. Rejected again and again by NFL teams, Dennis persisted, and his dedication eventually earned him a spot on the Eagles roster, fulfilling his own NFL dream.
Bottom line: vision, hard work, and staying the course are more important than money, experience, and connections when it comes to success in sports and in life. With their extraordinary careers in both sports and business, Vince and Dennis are living proof of this.
The Last Laugh photo in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a metaphor for overcoming the obstacles that stand between you and your goals. That is the story that Vince Papale and Dennis Franks live: the story of relentless overcomers. Whenever anything got them downwhether it was Vinces long road to the NFL or scouts insisting Dennis was too small to play in the NFLboth men engineered epic comebacks.
Wherever you are in your journey, and whatever it is that youre working toward, Vince and Dennis can teach you the fundamentalshow to work hard and have a heart that beats loud enough to drown out the naysayers.
For Vince and Dennis, it was all or nothing on the field. Now, theyre going to give their all to you.
Are you ready to listen?
FOREWORD
CARL PETERSON , former president, general manager, and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs
R eading The Last Laugh brought back some great memories. I was there to witness and admire Dennis Frankss and Vince Papales efforts to overcome all obstacles and make an NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The odds were stacked against them. Vince had no college football experience and Dennis lacked size, according to NFL standards.
Besides coaching the tight ends for the Philadelphia Eagles, I was in charge of running training camps. One of my most despised duties was being the bearer of bad news. I was the Turk. The Turk is the person who gets up early each morning, knocks on a players door, and tells them to take their playbook to the head coach. This meant they were being cut and sent hometheir dreams of playing in the NFL had ended. No one, especially Dennis and Vince, wanted to see me coming their way.
However, at training camp, I observed Dennis Frankss and Vince Papales effort, energy, and enthusiasm in every drill and every practice. We played six preseason games in 1976 and their effort never wavered. They made the cut.
