Who is Herb from The Sportswriter and what is their importance?

Herb is a football player, whose career ended when he was injured in a boating accident. He has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. When Frank goes to interview Herb, he hopes to do a human interest story about a football player who has become a motivation for his ex-teammates despite his injuries. Upon his arrival, however, he finds an angry man who has given up his attempts to pretend to be supportive. Herb wants the use of his legs back and he wants to be able to play football again. He doesn't know how to handle his anger and depression colors his view of the world. Frank can see this. and he wants to feel sorry for him, but knows if he does he will have to feel sorry for himself, so he attempts to avoid this trap.