Contains spoilers for “King of the Hill” Season 14, Episode 5 — “New Ref In Town”

Hank Hill used to absolutely revile soccer as a game. In “Three Coaches and a Bobby,” Episode 12 from Season 3, he openly rips the sport apart as unmasculine compared to American football and was dismayed by Bobby’s interest in it. But in “New Ref in Town,” we learn that Hank’s been up to some soccer-watching during his time in Saudi Arabia. What’s more, it’s completely turned his opinion of the sport around — but he’s too ashamed to admit it.

At first, Hank subsumes his interest in coaching for Luke Jr.’s team — which puts him in direct conflict with Boomhauer. Then, when Peggy finds out, it turns out to be a boost to their sex lives while they keep the truth under wraps. But Dale’s picked up on Hank’s new interest in the sport, and, thinking he’s been “turned” due to his time in Saudi Arabia, he convinces Bill to help him kidnap “this” Hank to find the real one.

In the end, Hank declares himself proud to call himself a fan of the footie — which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise since this isn’t the first time he’s managed to open his mind and let new ideas in.

While Hank will probably never be fully comfortable eating a meal that was grilled over a charcoal pit, he has managed to come around on a number of different ideas during the show’s run. That includes Bobby’s interest in cooking and in rap music as well as his son’s fascination with environmentalism, among a number of other subjects he’s initially opposed. Not that he’s supported Bobby’s every interest — he stood firmly against his son’s attempt at modeling and his dive into Wiccan theatrics, after all. But, generally speaking, if you make a reasonable argument or show Hank a different side to things, he’ll often come around. It looks like that’s something carrying over from the show’s initial run to its hilarious revival.

Over the course of the series Hank has always been able to change his point of view and his opinions about many things, but on some topics — the idea that abuse is wrong, that women ought to be respected, and that the Dallas Cowboys are the greatest (American) football team — he will never lose his convictions. But maintaining some flexibility is good, and Hank’s love of soccer proves that.

Interested in more about the new season of “King of the Hill?” Here’s the subtle and heartwarming way the show paid homage to the late Brittany Murphy and Tom Petty.