// No, I don't get it //
I think it is a reference to the film Rollerball. The protagonist Jonathan E is played by James Caan.
Jonathan's prowess on the Rollerball circuit starts to earn him hero status amongst the masses. Not sure whether OP is alluding to corporate influence and greed, and/or little person against the establishment.
If there is a parallel to be drawn with 'Little Feather', then it's more an allegory than a joke. Perhaps I'm missing the point.