List of Friday Night Lights characters

Main characters

• Matt Saracen — The Dillon Panthers' quarterback and later wide receiver, struggles with abandonment issues. His mother left when he was young, and his father is often absent due to military service. Saracen is based on Mike Winchell. He graduates at the end of Season 3 but stays in Dillon until moving to Chicago in Season 4 to pursue a career in art. He wore the number 7 jersey, which Tim Riggins frequently refers to him by.Tim Riggins — The Panthers' fullback/running back, is a troubled character based on Don Billingsley. Known for his heavy drinking and womanizing, he has tumultuous relationships with Lyla Garrity and Tyra Collette. In the Season 4 finale, Riggins takes the fall for an illegal chop shop operation to protect his brother. As a Dillon Panther, he wore the number 33.Landry Clarke – A nerdy freshman, he is the best friend of Matt Saracen and eventually joins the football team in Season 2 as a slot receiver and backup tight end. He forms a band and falls in love with Tyra Collette. Landry, based on Brian Chavez, also exhibits traits of Jerrod McDougal. In Season 4, he becomes a key player for the East Dillon Lions, making the winning field goal against the Panthers in the season finale. Landry goes to Rice University in Houston in Season 5. As a Dillon Panther he wore the number 85, and as an East Dillon Lion he wore the number 21.Tyra Collette — A former 'bad girl' at Dillon High, she grows into a more responsible and studious young woman under Tami Taylor's mentorship. She dates Tim, Landry and cowboy named Cash. Aspiring to break free from stereotypes, Tyra is accepted into the University of Texas and expresses a desire to enter politics by the series finale.Jason Street — Once the star quarterback of the Panthers, he becomes paralyzed from the chest down in the first episode. He takes an interest in quad rugby and briefly serves as an assistant coach for the Panthers. He eventually moves to New Jersey to be around his newborn son and baby mama, whom he eventually marries, and manages to become a sports agent. Street's jersey number was 6.Lyla Garrity — Daughter of Buddy Garrity, Jason Street's initial girlfriend and former cheerleader captain, she struggles with her relationship with Jason following his accident before eventually breaking up. She turns to religion after her parents' divorce and later dates Tim Riggins. Lyla leaves for Vanderbilt University at the end of Season 3 but returns for a brief appearance in Season 4.Brian "Smash" Williams — Brian "Smash" Williams, the Panthers' former running back, he aims for an NFL career to support his family. His character is based on Boobie Miles. Smash faces challenges, including a steroid scandal and a racial altercation. Injured between Seasons 2 and 3, he ultimately joins Texas A&M University with Coach Taylor's support. As a Dillon Panther he wore the number 20.Luke Cafferty – Introduced in Season 4 as a replacement for Tim Riggins at tailback of the Panthers. Initially a standout on West Dillon High's junior varsity team, Luke is transferred to East Dillon High after it's discovered he falsified his address to play for West Dillon. Unlike other parents, his are unsupportive of his football pursuits. He impregnates Becky Sproles in Season 4 during a one-night-stand, but they eventually fall in love and develop a strong relationship. In Season 5, Luke struggles with whether to attend a Division III college for football after not receiving offers from larger schools. Advised by Tim Riggins, he focuses on winning the state championship, which his team goal. Eight months later, Luke enlists in the Army. He wore number 4 as a Dillon Panther and number 44 as an East Dillon Lion, earning the nickname "Fours" from Tim Riggins.Vince Howard – Introduced in Season 4, he is a talented athlete with no previous football experience who joins the East Dillon football team to avoid juvenile detention. After helping his mother enter drug rehab, Vince becomes the team's quarterback, leading them to victory against the Panthers in the Season 4 finale. He also starts a relationship with Jess Merriweather. In Season 5, Vince faces challenges with the attention from colleges and becomes arrogant. His father, who is often present at games, pressures him about college choices, causing tension. Coach Taylor benches Vince due to his behavior, affecting the team morale. Vince eventually matures and leads the Lions to the state championship. Initially involved with a troubled crowd, Vince supports his mother and stands up to his father. Eight months later, he becomes the new quarterback of the Dillon Panthers after the Lions are disbanded. Vince wore the number 5 jersey for the East Dillon Lions.Jess Merriweather – She is introduced in Season 4 as an East Dillon student. Her father, a former state-championship-winning quarterback for the East Dillon Lions, grew to resent the sport and the team. Jess works at her family's restaurant and takes care of her three younger brothers. By the end of Season 4, she begins a relationship with Vince Howard after briefly dating Landry. In Season 5, Jess realizes she wants to become a coach and starts shadowing Coach Taylor. Her relationship with Vince faces challenges due to his increasingly arrogant behavior, but they reconcile before the Lions go to the state championship when he recognizes his mistakes. Later, Jess informs Coach Taylor that she is moving to Dallas due to her father's business success, and Coach Taylor offers to recommend her to a coach in Dallas. Eight months later, she is shown to be part of the coaching staff of a football team in Dallas.Becky Sproles – She is an East Dillon student and aspiring beauty queen. In Season 4, she has a one-night-stand with Luke Cafferty which gets her pregnant. She eventually decides to undergo an abortion, receiving support from Tim Riggins. This decision causes controversy for Tami Taylor, eventually leading to her resignation from principal of West Dillon High. In Season 5, Becky and Luke grow closer and fall in love for real, starting a relationship. She also moves in with Billy Riggins and his wife Mindy after her mother leaves and she faces mistreatment from her stepmother. By the series finale, Becky moves back with her mother but promises to stay in touch with Billy and Mindy. Becky is notable for being the only main character who was initially a recurring character before being promoted.
• Hastings Ruckle – He is introduced in Season 5 when Buddy Garrity, Eric Taylor, Luke Cafferty, and Vince Howard convince him to join the East Dillon football team instead of the basketball team. He becomes a talented receiver and contributes to the team's state championship victory. It remains unclear whether he joins the Dillon Panthers "super team" after the Lions are disbanded in the series finale or returns to playing basketball for East Dillon. As an East Dillon Lion, he wore the number 88.

Recurring characters

Introduced in Season 1

• Henry Saracen – The father of Matt Saracen, divorced Matt's mother when Matt was young and enlisted in the US Army, serving in Iraq. His prolonged absences left Matt without a father figure, leading him to seek guidance from Coach Taylor and his friend Landry. The strained father-son relationship culminates in Henry's death from an IED in Iraq, explored in the emotionally charged episode "The Son," where Matt grapples with his feelings of anger and loss, ultimately acknowledging his father's service to the country at the funeral.Corrina Williams — Mother of Brian "Smash" Williams. She works as a nurse and plays a crucial role in her son's life, balancing her support for his football dreams with a strong emphasis on education. She discovers steroids in Smash's room and informs Coach Taylor, momentarily jeopardizing his career. Corrina also informs Tami Taylor of her pregnancy at the end of Season 1. She and her daughters exit the series after Smash leaves for college.
• Sheila & Noannie Williams & – Older and younger sisters Smash Williams, respectively. Their roles in the series are minor, with their family dynamics and interactions primarily supporting Smash's storyline.Waverly Grady — The preacher's daughter, is a former girlfriend of Smash Williams. Their relationship ends due to the challenges posed by Waverly's bipolar disorder.Reverend Grady – A preacher in town in town and Waverly's father, contributing to the portrayal of Waverly's family and social environment.Mitchell and Joanne Street — Jason Street's parents. Their professions are not specified. Following Jason's injury, they mortgage their house to cover medical expenses and home renovations, leading them to sue Coach Taylor for compensation. This decision creates household tension, as Jason views Taylor as a mentor and is close to his parents. The Streets, depicted as an "All-American" family, are dedicated to Jason, their presumed only child, and regularly supported him at football games. After Jason moves to New York City in Season 3, they are no longer mentioned.Herc — Athlete who shares the same spinal cord injury as Jason Street. They meet as roommates in the rehab center, where Herc mentors Jason and introduces him to quad rugby. They later become roommates and collaborate on a real estate venture before Jason departs for the northeast.Angela Collette — Mother of Tyra Collette and former mistress to Buddy Garrity. Her affair with Buddy contributes to the breakdown of his family life, revealing his repeated infidelities to Lyla's mother over the years.Mindy Collette-Riggins – Tyra Collette's hard-edged sister and Billy Riggins's wife. She works as a stripper at The Landing Strip and, unlike Tyra, embraces a "trashy" image. Initially a minor character, Mindy's role expands in the final two seasons, revealing her empathetic nature. She acts as a sister figure to Becky, has a son named Stevie with Billy, and is expecting twins in Season 5.Mac MacGill — Offensive coordinator for the Dillon Panthers. Initially tense with Eric Taylor due to his expectation of becoming head coach, Mac makes controversial comments leading to a team walkout in Season 1. He later defends Smash Williams during a brawl incident. After a heart attack in Season 3, Mac takes a leave and is replaced by Wade Aikmen. He declines a job offer from Coach Taylor at East Dillon in Season 4. By Season 5, Mac becomes the head coach of the Dillon Panthers, but his status after the football season is uncertain. It could be possible he retired from coaching.Coach T.C. Crowley – Assistant coach for the Dillon Panthers from Seasons 1-4. He joins Coach Taylor at East Dillon, becoming his right-hand man. A disagreement over player conduct briefly puts him at odds with Taylor and Coach Riggins. Crowley returns to the Dillon Panthers "super team" in the series finale after the East Dillon football program shuts down.Coach Spivey – Assistant coach for the Dillon Panthers who joins the East Dillon Lions in Season 5. Known for his motivational skills, he returns to the Panthers "super team" in the series finale following the closure of the East Dillon football program.Bobby "Bull" Reyes – An outside linebacker for the Dillon Panthers, appearing early in Season 1. He participates in vandalizing a rival quarterback's car and later assaults Kurt Kaster. Initially claiming racism as the motive, Reyes admits the truth to Coach Taylor, who then removes him from the team. Reyes is not seen or mentioned after this incident. As a Panther, he wore number 40.Bradley Cole - A defensive end for the Dillon Panthers, characterized by his quiet demeanor and background presence. In "Full Hearts," he is involved in a confrontation with Tim Riggins following rumors of Tim's affair with Lyla, spurred by misinformation about Tim's altercation with Jason Street. Cole later facilitates Matt and Julie's use of his family's lake house for a significant moment. Tim's return to the team prompts Cole to receive Riggins's apology in "Seeing Other People." He appears throughout Seasons 1 and 2 but is absent from Season 3 onwards, presumably due to graduation. As a Dillon Panther he wore either the number 56 in Season 1 and the number 55 in Season 2.Ray “Voodoo” Tatum — A Louisiana resident brought to Dillon by Buddy Garrity to temporarily replace Matt Saracen as the Panther quarterback after Hurricane Katrina displaced him. Despite initial success, his refusal to bond with teammates and insubordination lead to his expulsion from the team during halftime of a crucial game. The Panthers subsequently forfeit a game he led them to win. Tatum reappears as the quarterback for West Cambria in the State Final against the Panthers at the end of Season 1, attempting to provoke Smash Williams. As a Panther and later a Mustang, he wears number 9.Jackie Miller – Single mother to Bo Miller who moves in next door to the Riggins brothers with her son, Bo. She becomes romantically involved with both Tim and Billy Riggins, causing tension between the brothers in Season 2. Jackie leaves the series after her breakup with Billy.Bo Miller – Jackie's son and an admirer of Tim Riggins. After being bullied, Tim teaches him self-defense, strengthening their bond. Tim gives Jackie tickets for the state final, ostensibly for Bo.Suzy – A tattoo artist who briefly engages in a flirtation with Jason Street, witnessed by Lyla, causing strain in their relationship.Kurt Kaster – A longtime friend of Matt and Landry who is hospitalized after being assaulted by Bobby Reyes following a disagreement about football. Landry's reluctance to intervene strains his friendship with Matt.Mayor Lucy Rodell – staunch supporter of the Dillon Panthers, playing a prominent role in local politics and events.Slammin' Sammy Meade – serves as the commentator for football games in Dillon, providing colorful commentary and analysis.Lois – A friend of Julie Taylor, initially preferred by Tami over Tyra Collette.

Introduced in Season 2

• Gracie Belle Taylor – Younger Daughter of Eric and Tami TaylorBill McGregor — Former head coach of the Dillon Panthers. He replaced Coach Taylor at the beginning of season 2 after the latter left for TMU. Known as the "Tennessee Tyrant" for his militant style of coaching, in contrast to Taylor's more casual style.Chad Clarke — Father of Landry Clarke, Dillon Panthers alumnus, and police sergeant for the Dillon Police Department. He tries to protect Landry when he gets into trouble in Season 2.Mary Clarke – Mother of Landry Clarke.Santiago Herrera — upon his release from juvenile detention. Despite his troubled past, Santiago demonstrates academic prowess, which is noted by then-guidance counselor Tami Taylor. Buddy Garrity extends a helping hand by offering Santiago employment and accommodation, leading to the development of a paternal bond between the two. Santiago's athletic talents are recognized when he joins the football team, excelling as a standout defensive player, notably wearing the number 59 as a Dillon Panther. However, due to the disruption caused by a writers' strike, Santiago's storyline is abruptly abandoned in the subsequent season, resulting in the character's disappearance from the series altogether.Carlotta Alonso – introduced as a live-in nurse enlisted to assist Matt and Lorraine during Lorraine's declining mental health. Despite Matt's existing relationship, he develops romantic feelings for Carlotta. Eventually, he ends his relationship to pursue one with Carlotta, who initially resists but later reciprocates his affections. Their relationship progresses to a physical level, resulting in Carlotta taking Matt's virginity. However, their romance is short-lived as Carlotta decides to return to her family in Guatemala, prompting the end of their relationship.Shelley Hayes – Tami Taylor's sister, portrayed as immature, arrives to assist after Gracie's birth. Her actions prompt Julie to reflect on her own behavior. Subsequently, she transitions into a career as a real estate agent.Noelle Davenport – The sister of a former Panther player, who had graduated two years before Season 2, enters a relationship with Smash during this season. Their interracial relationship faces disapproval from both sets of parents. Alongside Smash's sister Noannie, they encounter harassment from teenagers during a movie outing, which leads to Smash defending their honor. As a consequence, Smash receives a three-game suspension.Chris Kennedy – A Christian youth leader, who is also a DJ on a Christian radio station, meets Lyla when she joins their group in Season 2. Their relationship develops into a romantic one, despite Tim Riggins' unwanted attention towards Lyla. However, in Season 3, the character is absent from the storyline due to Lyla's abusive relationship with Tim, which takes precedence in the narrative.Erin Street – A waitress encounters Jason after a failed blind date and ends up sleeping with him, resulting in her pregnancy. Despite initial plans for abortion due to her young age, Jason, realizing the unlikelihood of conception due to his paraplegia-related fertility issues, urges her to keep the child. In Season 3, she gives birth to their son, Noah, and maintains a relationship with Jason, although they do not reside together. Eventually, she relocates to New Jersey with Noah to live with her parents, prompting Jason to pursue a job in New York. After securing an entry-level position at a sports agency, Jason commits to supporting her and their child. By Season 5, Jason reveals that they are married, and she expresses a desire to expand their family.Isabella - A woman who Jason is set up on a blind date with, but abandons after finding she has odd sexual preferences, having Erin tell her he has left.Glenn Reed – A teacher at Dillon High School develops a friendship with Tami Taylor upon her return from maternity leave. In Season 4, he kisses Tami while intoxicated during a happy hour event. Overcome with guilt, he confesses the incident to Tami's husband, Eric, feeling ashamed of his actions.Anton "The Swede" – A lifeguard stationed at the pool where Julie works catches her attention at the outset of Season 2. Julie becomes romantically interested in him. Following the birth of Gracie Belle and amidst the challenges of her home life, Julie decides to end her relationship with Matt and pursue a connection with "The Swede." However, Julie discovers, as warned by Tami, that "The Swede" is not interested in a committed relationship and leads a carefree lifestyle, causing her distress.Noah Barnett – A young teacher joins Dillon High School in Season 2, where Julie forms a friendship with him after learning about the reality of her relationship with "The Swede." Tami misinterprets their rapport as a romantic interest and confronts the teacher, leading to strained relations between Tami and Julie.Guy Raston – Tim Riggins seeks refuge with a methamphetamine dealer after departing his home and being ousted from Tyra's residence. The dealer permits Tim to stay provided he tends to his ferrets. Upon awakening to the dealer wielding a firearm, Tim opts to leave. Later, Tim pilfers funds from the dealer to settle his mortgage, leading to confrontation. Despite repayment facilitated by Lyla, tensions persist, resulting in a strained relationship. In Season 3, Billy endeavors to vend stolen copper wire to the dealer, but encounters obstacles.Jean Binnel – In Season 2, Landry embarks on a brief relationship with a girl who becomes aware of his complex dynamics with Tyra. Sensing the tension, she confronts Landry, insisting that he make a choice between her and Tyra. Ultimately, Landry decides to pursue a romantic relationship with Tyra, opting to end things with the other girl.Lauren Davis – Following his split from Julie, Matt briefly enters into a relationship with a cheerleader. However, his feelings for Carlotta develop, prompting him to seek advice from Smash on how to navigate the breakup. Smash suggests proposing an open relationship, which Matt follows through with. As a result, the cheerleader, named Lauren, ends their relationship.Adam Hughes - A boy who makes racist comments about Noelle and Noannie, resulting in Smash beating him up and being punished legally for it.Roberta "Bobbie" Roberts – The coach of the girls' soccer team at Dillon High School is known for her persistent requests for equipment when Taylor assumes the role of athletic director. She consistently seeks resources to support the team's needs.Morris "Mo" McArnold – Mo, Tami's former high school sweetheart, who she left to be with Eric, returns to Dillon as a real estate developer aiming to purchase shopping centers. Despite the passage of time, Mo remains attracted to Tami. Tensions escalate when Mo accuses Eric of "stealing" Tami from him, sparking a confrontation between the two men. Eric's jealousy over Mo's lingering feelings for Tami exacerbates the conflict, leading to a heated altercation between them.Kevin Turner - Pam's partner, later husband, following her divorce from Buddy, is named Kevin. The family, excluding Lyla, relocates to California between Season 2 and Season 3. Kevin is characterized as a hipster and a vegetarian. His influence leads to Buddy Jr. and Tabby adopting disrespectful behavior towards their father in Season 3. Additionally, Buddy insinuates that the marijuana Pam accuses Buddy Jr. of using originates from Kevin.

Introduced in Season 3

Introduced in Season 4

Introduced in Season 5