The Underdogs

Will Tyler is the novel’s 12-year-old protagonist. He lives in the small, struggling town of Forbes in Western Pennsylvania with his father, Joe Tyler. Will’s mother passed away when he was a toddler, and he is not ready to connect with any memories of her, as evidenced by his hesitancy to watch old home movies. He and his father, however, are close; they talk easily together about most topics, hug, and have a mutual respect for one another’s football skills and work ethic.

Will is a seventh grader who gets along well with peers and has close friends through football, his most passionate interest. He can run remarkably fast on the field and is often positioned as a running back to receive the ball and carry it forward for yardage gains and touchdown attempts. Will demonstrates kindness to others throughout the novel. For example, when he approaches Toby Keenan about rejoining the team, he offers sincere compliments about his skills. He also demonstrates perseverance, particularly when he writes to New Balance CEO, Mr. DeMartini, to ask for a team sponsorship. He also exhibits compassion, dealing with other people’s difficulties with wisdom, tact, and empathy.

Will is what his teachers would likely call a quiet leader at the start of the story.