Rick Dockery is a third-string NFL quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, who throws three interceptions in 11 minutes in the AFC championship game, blowing a 17-point lead and resulting in the Browns missing their chance at their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. He is cut from the team, vilified in the press, and is facing legal troubles due to a questionable paternity lawsuit. His agent Arnie tries to find him work in the NFL, but no team will take him. Arnie manages to find him a starting position for the Parma Panthers of the Italian Football league for meager compensation. Rick accepts the job, glad to get away from the negative press and his legal troubles in the United States, but wary of living in Italy, where he doesn't know the language and where American football draws little attention or respect. The Parma Panthers have only two other Americans on the team -- halfback Slidell "Sly" Turner, who ends up leaving early in the season, and safety Trey Colby. The Panthers win their first game with Rick, then lose a couple for various reasons, including the loss of his American teammates to homesickness and injury. Despite these problems, Italy and the team are growing on Rick, and he begins to feel some loyalty to them despite the fact that Arnie has found a more lucrative job offer with a more respected CFL team. Rick decides to honor his contract with the Parma Panthers. With renewed resolve, a talented Italian wide receiver and a new strategy, they win each of their remaining regular-season games, then advance to the playoffs and the Italian Super Bowl, a very close and hard-fought game against their rivals, the Bergamo Lions.
Main characters
Rick Dockery - Former NFL third string quarterback and Iowa alum who loses his NFL job and winds up playing in Italy for the Parma Panthers. He is unmarried and is constantly looking for a girl.
Trey Colby - A safety turned wide receiver who breaks his leg mid-season. Played at Ole Miss and was 3rd team SEC.
Fabrizio - Talented but egotistical Italian-born wide receiver, known to walk off field in the middle of games.
Giuseppe "Franco" Lazzarino - fullback of the Panthers and Italian Judge who sorts out Rick's legal problems. Idolizes Franco Harris.
Nino - Center, and co-owner of a local restaurant where Rick is introduced to traditional Italian cuisine.
Maschi - Talented Italian linebacker who plays for rival team, the undefeated Bergamo Lions. Injured on the "Kill Maschi" play, designed by Rick in preparation for their first matchup. Idolizes Lawrence Taylor and demands to be called "L.T." like Taylor.
Charley Cray - Writer for Cleveland Post, who attacks Rick following his disastrous performance in his last NFL game, then follows up with more nasty articles after Rick has relocated to Italy.
Livvy Galloway - American college student studying in Italy, and love interest for Rick.
Gabriella Ballini - Beautiful opera singer with whom Rick is infatuated.
