What does Paul mean when he says that Erik was wearing his "Football hero smile"? Is Erik a hero? Why are the "Florida Football guys" so impressed with Erik? Do you think they should be?

Erik is no hero. Erik is a sociopath and only a hero in his own mind. He plays dirty and gets some respect for getting away with his dirty tricks on the field. Beyond his average football ability, Erik is just a nasty person. He blinded his own little brother with spray paint because he likes hurting people. Erik's parents enable Erik's behaviour but Paul knows that one day Erik won't be able to hide behind anybody.