Results from Springfield’s Health Fair show that the entire city—and young boys in particular—is in terrible physical condition. Concerned parents, including Homer and Marge, hope to reverse the trend by enrolling their sons in Pee Wee Football. With Ned Flanders acting as coach, and the seemingly unstoppable Nelson as quarterback, the Springfield Wildcats emerge victorious game after game. Despite the impressive winning streak, Homer belittles Flanders’ contribution in public. Fed up, Flanders resigns as coach and volunteers Homer as his replacement.

Marge recalls how Grampa destroyed Homer’s self-confidence years earlier by ridiculing his athletic ability. Homer decides he will not to make the same mistake with Bart. He appoints his son as the team’s new quarterback. Bart objects, pointing out Nelson’s gift for scoring touchdowns time and again. But Homer’s decision remains final. On the field, Bart tries his utmost not to disappoint his father. But his skills as a quarterback are poor at best, and the Wildcats’ undefeated season comes to a sudden end. Adding insult to injury, Nelson threatens Bart physical harm should he cost the team another game.

Bart gasps in awe when Joe Namath walks into the Simpson’s backyard. Namath explains that his car broke down in front of the house. Seizing the opportunity, Bart asks him for some pointers as to what it takes to be a great quarterback. Suddenly, a passenger in the vehicle announces that the car has been repaired. Namath runs off without answering the question. Fed up, Bart resigns from the team. Later, Homer apologizes to his son for smothering him with encouragement without accepting his shortcomings as a player. He convinces Bart to play offensive tackle in the upcoming championship game. At a crucial moment, Chief Wiggum interrupts the game to arrest quarterback Nelson Muntz. Thinking quickly, Bart convinces Wiggum that he is Muntz. As Bart is led away in handcuffs, he sees Muntz score the game-winning touchdown.