6) 10 favorite phrases/quotes:
1) “They’re calling me to warn me not to call them. I’m afraid this may be the end of the line kid.” (-Arnie pg. 4)
This quote is important to the story because it helps to show the reader just how bad Rick’s reputation was. Even before the Superbowl game, most of the teams in the NFL already knew what kind of player he was because he had jumped from team to team so many times. After the Superbowl game, it was basically the end for him in the American football league.
2) “I’ve never been to Italy.” (-Rick Dockery pg. 27)
Though it seems simple, this quote is rather important because it illustrates Rick’s need for change. If he can’t make a positive difference in the game in America, maybe he can do it in Italy.
3) “What the heck am I doing in Parma, Italy?” (-Rcik Dockery pg. 31)
This quote shows the aggrivation Rick faces during his time in Italy. Although the Italians are the only ones giving him another chance to play, he would rather be in America playing in the NFL. Even though he faces these struggles, Rick manages to fight through it all and come out victorious.
4) “Rick Dockery walked slowly across midfield as long shadows fell, hands crammed in jean pockets, the aimless stroll of a man in another world.” (-Narrator pg. 38)
Rick’s utter disappointment in himself, and the misery he hides under his skin is seen in this quote. He doesn’t want to be in Italy and he doesn’t know what to expect from his new team or the foreign season ahead. His thoughts still lie in America, where he wishes he could be the man, the player, he built himself up to be.
5) “How many fans watch the panthers?” (-Rick Dockery pg. 40)
Rick obviously still worries about who’s watching him play. For as long as he could remember he played under the eyes of the world and for the entertainment of others. In Italy, he was concerned about the fan population. Or perhaps he didn’t want very many people to watch him in Italy in case he were to choke once more and it would be Cleveland all over again.
6) “The Italian Superbowl. I can’t believe I missed it.” (-Rick Dockery pg. 41)
This perfectly shows Rick’s smart alack and sarcastic attitude towards the football league in Parma. He is rather negative about playing and demeaning about the league there.
7) “We really want a Superbowl trophy here in Parma.” (-Franco Harris pg. 63)
This quote by Franco shows how high of a pedistal the Italians have put Rick on. The panthers have never won a Superbowl and expect Rick to give them one this year. They put a lot of pressure on him to succeed and change their lives forever.
8) “This wasn’t high school ball. He was a pro!” (-Narrator pg . 78)
In this section, Grisham talks about Rick’s first practice. He was made to condition with the rest of the team, which he had never had to do before. He had always had his own workout since he was the quarterback. He did not appretiate this treatment and was determined to make a change in the practices. This shows how spoiled he was in America and how he didn’t truly understand the word TEAM.
9) “A sudden patriotism sealed his lips.” (-Narrator pg. 87)
Rick had been teching himself to drive the standard Italtian Fiat when he realized he had an audience of one. An old lady was watching him fail miserably at trying to get the car onto the street. Already aggrivated by now, Rick wanted to yell at her but kept his mouth shut because she would be able to tell he was American. He was prideful of his country and didn’t want anyone to think negatively about it.
10) The Italians seemed to thrive on dirt and sweat.” (Rick Dockery pg. 96)
Rick was finally learning what pushed the Italians so hard and that they didn’t have to get paid; they played because they loved the game and that was enough for them.