Initially:
* Passionate: Paul is deeply passionate about football, even idolizing the game. He sees it as a way to escape his difficult home life and find purpose.
* Driven by ambition: He dreams of being a star player and getting a college scholarship, believing this is his path to a better life.
* Fearful of failure: He feels immense pressure to succeed, leading to anxiety and a fear of disappointing his father and himself.
As the story progresses:
* Struggling with identity: Paul's passion for football is challenged by his developing awareness of his talent limitations. He struggles to reconcile his dreams with reality, creating internal conflict.
* Feeling pressured: The expectations of his family and community weigh heavily on him, causing him to feel trapped. He begins to resent the constant pressure and sees football as a burden.
* Questioning his choices: As Paul confronts his family's secrets and his own personal struggles, he starts to question the importance of football in his life.
* Finding a different path: Eventually, Paul recognizes that his happiness and well-being are more important than fulfilling his father's dreams. He begins to explore other paths, including writing and pursuing his own passions.
By the end:
* Embracing individuality: Paul finds the courage to break free from the expectations surrounding football and embrace his unique talents and interests.
* Finding peace: He no longer feels the need to prove himself through football, finding a sense of peace and acceptance of himself.
Overall, Paul's feelings about football in "Tangerine" represent a journey of self-discovery and finding his own path in life. He learns that his worth and happiness are not solely defined by his athletic achievements.