Marcus is a teenager who recently relocated with his mother following his parents' divorce. Eager to join his new high school's football team as a quarterback, he possesses strong throwing abilities but shrinks away from physical tackles. He rides a Vespa scooter gifted by his estranged father. His life changes when he meets an older man at the park who helps him confront his fear of physical contact on the field.

Charlie is a robust middle-aged man and former NFL linebacker living with early-onset Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The condition frequently causes him to believe he is a sixteen-year-old high school student. He spends his days wandering the town, acting on impulse, and reliving his athletic glory days. Despite his mental decline, his physical prowess and tackling skills remain formidable.

Troy is the star quarterback of his high school football team, coming off a perfect season. He lives under the massive pressure of his father's athletic legacy and harbors deep anxiety about suffering the same brain injuries. He projects a bitter, closed-off attitude toward his peers to hide his family's painful reality.

Chelsea is Troy's sister and Charlie's daughter. She shoulders the immense responsibility of acting as her father's primary caregiver. Desperate to maintain her father's dignity and reputation in their hometown, she strictly guards the secret of his cognitive decline from outsiders.

Alyssa is the head cheerleader at the high school and Troy's recent ex-girlfriend. She possesses a sharp understanding of football strategy and player weaknesses. Confused and hurt by Troy's sudden emotional withdrawal, she begins giving Marcus attention partly out of genuine interest and partly to provoke a reaction from Troy.

James McTavish, frequently referred to as "Mac" in Charlie's memories, is Charlie's best friend from his teenage years. He lives in a nearby town and remains unaware of the severity of Charlie's neurological decline until Marcus tracks him down to ask for help.

She is Charlie's wife and the mother of Troy and Chelsea. She attempts to manage her household under enormous stress, occasionally falling into denial about the true extent and progression of her husband's illness.

Recently divorced, she moves to a new town with Marcus to start over. She works at the local newspaper office and tries to keep her son out of trouble, completely unaware of his unusual friendship with a former NFL star.

Marcus's father is described as an arrogant and pushy man who is completely assured of his own superiority. Following the divorce, he gifted Marcus a Vespa scooter as a bribe to convince the teenager to live with him.

A local pest-control business owner. His loud, abrasive demeanor reminds Marcus of his own overbearing father. He becomes the target of a bizarre revenge prank orchestrated by Charlie involving sugar and chocolate syrup.

The head coach of the high school football team. He strongly favors his established players, particularly Troy, but allows Marcus onto the team as a backup after seeing his throwing skills.

A local law enforcement official assigned to handle the vandalism complaints filed by the exterminator. He continuously presses Marcus to reveal who helped him commit the pranks.