Masculinity

The author uses the theme of masculinity to give contrast to the vulnerability of the men as they reach middle age. The prologue gives a base for this by introducing Joe Theismann, who at 36, suffered a career-ending leg break during a game. The break forced him to find a new path in his life.

In the novel, the men unite annually to reenact the play. The men have changed over time. While Fat Michael remains a pinnacle of physical fitness, Trent has gained weight, Bald Michael has lost his hair, and Andy is divorced. In reenacting the play, they are able to celebrate a heightened state of masculinity within the confines of a contact sport.

They do not meet to reenact the entire game, but rather just the career-ending play. Its brutality is hyper-masculine, as is their ritualized celebration of it. But the men are do...