Million Dollar Throw

One of the main themes throughout the novel is belief and how it’s connected to vision—both the physical act of being able to see and the metaphorical idea of having a goal for the future. This idea is most evident at the end of the novel, when Tom Brady tells Nate: “I still get scared. But I never stop believing. The way I never stopped believing I would come back and play this way again after my knee surgeries” (233). This idea of belief being the fuel that keeps a person going, especially through the hard times, is developed through Nate’s character arc.

In the beginning of the novel, Nate’s beliefs are contingent on what he sees, and what he sees furthers his beliefs. Nate believes that he is a good quarterback because he sees the results of his throwing abilities, such as being known throughout town as “the boy with the golden arm” and helping his team win games. During this time, he believes that he deserves the attention he receives because he’s worked hard to become a good quarterback. It’s also implied that Nate has always believed the world is good because he comes from a good home that’s financially stable.