The legendary and controversial football coach of the Messina High School Spartans, whose influence extends beyond his coaching years and impacts his players' lives profoundly.

Neely's former co-captain and close friend who pursued a career in banking, providing context about the town and its people as Neely revisits his past.

A former Spartan known for his size and strength on the field, who gets involved in both legal and illegal businesses after high school while maintaining loyalty to his football brothers.

Once an inept punter for the Spartans, now a successful openly gay book and coffee shop owner, who remains connected to the team and Neely's past.

The sheriff of Messina and a Vietnam veteran who played for the Spartans, known for using his connections to support his former teammates.

Neely's high school girlfriend, whose life diverged from the football-obsessed world of Messina after their breakup, representing a path of moving on and letting go of the past.

A former teacher and assistant coach at Messina High, known for his dedication to the Spartans and his symbolic act of turning on the football field lights.

A former Spartan with NFL potential whose life took a different turn due to bad decisions, highlighting themes of redemption and acceptance of past mistakes.

One of Neely's high school girlfriends, who epitomizes those who struggle with identity after their youthful allure fades, remaining a shadow from Neely's past.