Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary

After seventh grade, Mick's mom stops coming to his games after he is nearly knocked unconscious. She is too afraid he will be severely injured like his father. But Mick doesn't want to quit, because he loves football and knows it is his life.

Part 1, Chapter 5 Analysis

The absence of Mick's mother from his future football games can also be seen in the light of her relative absence from her life. Though she is always there, she is not the dominant force the way that Mick's father is. This could also explain why her name is not mentioned, and why Mick does mention his father's name.

Yet, Mick's mother will play a crucial role in the coming years.