Summary

The former NFL defensive end encourages young readers to follow their dreams in this story of a young athlete struggling to live up to his father’s name.

Plot Overview

Young football star Danny Owens is dedicating his seventh-grade season to his Super Bowl champion father, who recently passed away. Danny promises everyone that, just like his dad, he’ll dominate the big game at the end of the season and earn a spot on the high school varsity team.

Conflict

Then his English teacher catches him cheating on a test. Even though Danny can retake it, he knows there’s no point. He can’t read. And if Danny can’t pass this class, he won’t be eligible to play in the championship game that could unlock his future.

Themes

While his resentment rises, the pressure to succeed begins to weigh heavily on Danny’s shoulders. Danny is being tested on every level now. And to pass, he may have to choose a different path from his father’s.