In the late 1970s, Phil Elliott, played by Nick Nolte, is a wide receiver for the North Dallas Bulls, a team that bears a striking resemblance to the Dallas Cowboys. Known for having "the best hands in the game," this aging athlete finds himself benched and increasingly dependent on painkillers to cope. Elliott and his charismatic quarterback, Seth Maxwell, portrayed by Mac Davis, are celebrated players who thrive in a tumultuous environment fueled by drugs, sex, and excessive partying. Amidst this chaos, Elliott dreams of a simpler life, longing to retire and tend to a horse farm alongside his girlfriend, Charlotte. Charlotte, an aspiring writer, is portrayed as financially sound and disinterested in the world of football, thanks to a trust fund provided by her affluent family.
The Bulls are driven under the leadership of Coach Strother, played by Dabney Coleman, who chooses to overlook the off-field antics of his players and their trainers only to ensure they remain fit for the game. His approach prioritizes player performance metrics over the emotional well-being of his team. This notion echoes in a standout moment where Shaddock, one of the players, confronts assistant Coach Johnson: > "Every time I call it a 'game', you call it a 'business'. And every time I call it a 'business', you call it a 'game'." In a disturbing twist, the coaches manipulate Elliott into pressuring a younger rookie into using painkillers.
Elliott's rebellious spirit repeatedly puts him at odds with Coach Strother, who warns him that his attitude could jeopardize his future in the sport. In a gripping finale to the season, Elliott succeeds in catching a touchdown pass that brings the Bulls to within one point of their rivals, the Chicago team. However, a botched extra point attempt leads to their defeat.
Soon after, Elliott learns from the team owners, including Conrad Hunter, that a Dallas detective has been surveilling him. They present evidence of Elliott's marijuana use and a liaison with Joanne, who is set to marry team executive Emmett Hunter, all while insinuating that Emmett may be gay. Despite a similar surveillance on quarterback Maxwell, the detective conveniently ignores his indiscretions. The Bulls inform Elliott of his suspension without pay, which seems to be a maneuver to save on his contract. Disillusioned, Elliott resigns, declaring that he doesn't require their money.
As he departs from the Bulls' headquarters in downtown Dallas, he encounters Maxwell, who reveals he was aware of the investigation all along. In a moment of reflection, Maxwell throws a football to Elliott, but rather than catching it, Elliott allows it to hit him in the chest and fall to the ground. This gesture symbolizes his definitive severance from the sport he once cherished.
