Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

In seventh grade, Mick writes an essay for his teacher, Mr. Pengilly, about football. The essay receives an F because Mick doesn't make football come alive enough. That night, thinking about football, Mick realizes that it isn't fun, but hard work -especially as a running back. And he realizes that this is what he loves about the game, that it is hard work.

Mick rewrites the essay, and receives an A+ on it.

Part 1, Chapter 4 Analysis

Mick realizes that he loves football because it is hard work. He enjoys putting in an effort and enjoys the reward of the effort. He feels accomplished because hard work means satisfying results when the results are good.