When our story begins Finn is the starting quarterback of McKinley High School's fledgling football team. New Directions director Will Schuester hears him sing in the shower and begins an effort to recruit him to be part of the choir. Finn is talented and loves music but faces the challenge of balancing two extra-curricular activities, as well as overcoming the social perception of glee club.Finn does not possess a great intellect and is well aware of his shortcomings in that area. The dumb jock label is one he views as a burden. But what he lacks in brains he makes up for in sincerity.Finn is passionate and competitive, and these traits translates from the football field to the stage. In those ways he is very similar to Rachel, which is why it comes as no surprise when the two appear to have an instant romantic connection.Finn is being raised by a single parent, his mother Carole. His father is deceased, having been killed while serving as a Marine in Iraq.