1. Football Glory: Biff's football prowess and popularity make him a local celebrity. He becomes a source of pride for Willy, who brags about his son's achievements to his colleagues and acquaintances. Biff's athletic feats fulfil Willy's desire for recognition and admiration.
2. Escaping the Salesman Life: Willy has a tumultuous relationship with his job as a salesman. He despises the constant rejection and failures he faces. Seeing Biff as a successful athlete offers Willy an escape from his own professional struggles and a sense of validation.
3. Living Up to Expectations: Biff's success as a football player momentarily satisfies Willy's unrealistic expectations for his son. Willy has always held Biff to high standards, believing he could achieve great things. Biff's athletic achievements momentarily make Willy feel accomplished as a father.
4. Glimpse of the American Dream: For Willy, Biff's success epitomizes the American Dream—the pursuit of wealth, status, and admiration. Through Biff's accomplishments, Willy briefly experiences a sense of fulfilment and hope for the future.
5. Surrogate Son: Willy has idealized Biff and has placed all his hopes and dreams on his son. Biff's achievements become a substitute for Willy's own failures, allowing Willy to bask in reflected glory.
6. Short-Lived Triumph: However, Biff's football success is short-lived. When it becomes apparent that Biff lacks the drive and motivation to pursue a professional sports career, Willy's illusion shatters, and he must confront his own shortcomings and lack of realistic expectations.
Biff's role as a football hero briefly embodies Willy Loman's dream of success, but it ultimately highlights the disparity between Willy's aspirations and the harsh realities of life. The downfall of Biff's athletic career mirrors the decline of Willy's illusions, leading to the tragic events that unfold in “Death of a Salesman.”