In the novel, Playing for Pizza, Rick Dockery got booted out of the NFL and goes to play in Italy for the Parma Panthers. When Rick arrives in Parma, he is this pampered, cocky, arrogant quarterback who thinks that he is God’s gift to football. For example, when Rick first arrived in Parma, Sam Russo (his coach) took the liberty of showing him around the city. Sam Russo mentioned that Rick might check out a men clothing store and like much of what Sam was saying to Rick, Rick blew him off. While they were walking to get something to eat, Sam was describing what kind of restaurant they were going to be eating at. Then Rick said, “Are you going to feed me or talk me to death” (Grisham 51). This made a lastly impression on Sam and it took a lot to change his mind.

It took meeting the right girl and just being it Italy for awhile. One morning, after they been together for about a week and a half, Livvy asked Rick a question, “I thought you were the stud quarterback.” Rick replied with, “Just the quarterback for now.” Now, that seems unlike Rick Dockery, the arrogant, third-string quarterback that got kicked out of Cleveland. Throughout the book, you can tell that Rick’s character is improving and maturing. By the end of the book, Rick Dockery has turned a complete 180. For example, he has turned down the opportunity to play in Toronto for a larger sum on money. The last couple of sentences were describing the Stadio Lanfranchi and as the train pulled away, Rick “allowed himself a smile of deep satisfaction” (306). Rick is glad that he has came to the small town of Parma and being away from the world (USA) it satisfies him.