"I always told my dad I'd play professional football"

This quote by Anthony Doerr talks to the power of dreams and aspiration. It suggests that the speaker had a goal in life that they were determined to accomplish, and that they shared this goal with their father. It implies that the speaker had a strong relationship with their father, which their dad was supportive of their dreams. The quote also speaks with the significance of setting objectives and aiming to attain them. It suggests that the speaker was positive in their ability to reach their objective, and that they were willing to put in the effort and commitment needed to make it occur. Eventually, this quote functions as a motivating pointer that with effort and dedication, anything is possible.