Because I'm able to explain the characters? I think any perceptive person could.

I have to admit that I actively chose to miss and ignore certain parts of the movie just to justify my disdain for it.

I admit to lacking perception.

Pretty sure there was mention of Tidwell having 80something catches the previous season. 80something catches is usually gonna lead the team - no small feat for an undersized reciever in the NFL.

Rod's beef was that he was performing like a #1 reciever but not being paid like one. Jerry's point was that people wanted him to be a more fan-friendly "gamer" and not just a cold stat monger. Think pre-New England Randy Moss or T.O. in San Francisco. The difference is Rod, being a hometown guy, didn't want to leave Arizona for the money, he wanted the Cards to give it to him, whereas T.O. and Moss were always looking to get out of their situations. It took Jerry and all the personal care he gave Rod to show him what it would take to have his cake ($$) and eat it too (stay in Arizona).

The home crowd always wants to root for the hometown guy and Rod finally gave them a reason to. After the game-winning catch and ensuing scare both Rod and the fans realized at the same time how much they loved (and wanted to love) each other. That celebration was more a statement of "This is the player I want to be and this is where I want to do it!" than of "I'm great, look at me!" The crowd went nuts because they had been waiting to see some emotion out of what could have been their most talented offensive player and finally got it.

Plus let's not forget aside from just with his family Rod showed his loyalty in keeping Jerry as his agent in the first place.