Friday Night Lights: 25 years later

From Sports Illustrated: Twenty-five years after the H.G. Bissinger best seller was released, stars of the 1988 Permian Panthers football team reunite to relive the 'Friday Night Lights'. (Photos by Robert Clark) For more from Sports Illustrated and and excerpt from the book, visit: on.si.com/1IkDe9D

[@Seveneleven44]

Many of us will never ride that emotional high that football used to bring to us. I played QB, I got to start as a senior finally, after sitting two years behind an eventual D1 stud. The day after our last game as a junior, I knew I would have every shot to start and be the next guy. I got my shot. Everywhere I went I felt like a celebrity, everyone asks about how the team looks, comments on how good we look in practice, they can’t wait to see us play. Folks would come watch us practice and their little kids would line the fence leading to the field…almost like you were a real NFL player. It was magical. The newspaper chooses one player at the beginning of each year to do an exposé on, and I was the lucky guy. I couldn’t believe it and 17 years later, when I think about it all, and what we did, it was quite a time. Although we didn’t meet expectations, it will be a cherished memory forever. Hanging with my teammates, going for food, playing video games at the selected house of the week, fake WWE matches, real boxing matches, hot tub parties, drinking stolen beers by a fire in the middle of a field in the heart of Pennsylvania. Scoring that first touchdown, tossing that first touchdown pass, man those memories will never die. The younger kids lining the fences to give you a high five walking back to the locker rooms at halftime, you were really a celebrity for a couple moments in time. Those time don’t last, and you never realize how much you miss them until time passes. Now I’m a dad, I have two children of my own, so I can take my kids to the football games, with my grandfather, just like my dad used to do with me. Football is more than a game sometimes. It brings communities together around a bunch of kids, playing a game that we all wish we could lace them up for, one last time. When the band plays “Ironman” by Black Sabbath, (our school mascot is the ironmen), I still get a little juiced, all these years later.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

And yet, for the rest of us, high school is still just high school, and just a stepping stone in life. It must be terrible to think that happens in high school is the pinnacle of life, and all there is to hang your life on.

[@Texas_G_Longhorns]

@@d.e.b.b5788you clearly never played sports or were ever part of anything. I had the same exact experiences this guy had in football but yet I managed to receive my doctorate degree in chemical engineering. Both my kids are extraordinary athletes for their age and I hope they had the opportunity to receive academic or athletic scholarships to any school they want. You sound like a prude.

[@chrishenicke2052]

Don’t pay attention to negativity my man, some people just didn’t have the same experiences that we did. Well said 👍

[@SgtBooker44]

“Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”

[@thetatv1339]

Damn right.

[@honeybadgerstudios21]

Was on a football team that lost in states, all year we were underdogs and we rose to the occasion, you miss the game but you miss the bond the most

[@rileykazama3145]

Yep you do

[@garrettenorling9617]

You're are not to me my brother

[@andyramirez8844]

I’m 19 and miss it more and more every day as I grow older. Took it all for granted. Now I have college, work, responsibilities as a young adult. Those practices after school, stepping onto that turf under those Friday night lights with your brothers. Being able to strap up those pads and helmet buckles, worrying about absolutely nothing. I Miss having only one responsibility; football. No one realizes how much football really means until it’s taken from you. But as I continue to miss it, I know that football built my foundation for me as a man going through life. Football was just one stage in my life, preparing me for the many more stages in my life. It built My mentality, my toughness, the work it takes to earn your spot. Those hours upon hours I spent after school in the weight room. I’m forever grateful and blessed that I was able to play the best sport in the world. Time flies when you’re having fun, Loved every moment.

[@anaksunahmun1]

Beautiful statement, do big things young man!

[@ShaggysnackZ]

Respect brother. It’s been 3 years since my last season and it still lingers from time to time.

[@TheAlabamaYeti]

I played my last football game 17 years ago. It only gets worse buddy. You will miss it everyday. I would give anything to go back and strap on that helmet one last time.

[@rs-vl2im]

I took it for granted too. I wish I woulda slowed things down and enjoyed every moment of all of it. Even the grinding 2 a days in August.

[@21bluefins]

I'm 54, and I can still see all the faces in the huddle. I still remember the pre-game, and half-time coach's "pep talk speech". I remember playing with a broken finger, taped to the finger next to it, and seeing my team-mates playing with blood all over their pants/jersey. It will NEVER leave you!! It was the best time of my life. To all of my team-mates I say, I love all of ya'll, and I will never forget you!!!

[@buickmonte]

Texas football in the 80's was just insane!!! 1987 graduate from Galveston Texas!

[@randytyson7262]

Still is, baby! Especially if you get out of the big cities and out in the boonies! Small town Texas high school football is the BEST! GO BIG YOE!!! ;)

[@Nimrodbodeinejr]

I went to Judson

[@stephenk54]

I played high school football in the early 70’s...incredibly great memories. I still get chills thinking back on it.

[@brianheintz9912]

I played in the 90s and yes great memories, the comrodary was great I look be and I'm greatful for them

[@aleclk]

Despite not being a huge football fan I decided to read Friday Night Lights on a whim. My expectations were low and I honestly didn’t know if I’d even read until the end. Finished the book in just under four days, could not put it down. Surprisingly, it really hit me on an emotional level, particularly Boobie’s outcome. I felt awful for him. On a personal level, I could relate to the idea that for many of the players high school football would be the highest point of their lives. They were blessed to be a part of it, cursed by the subsequent memories and longing to revisit that brief but spectacular window of time. I’ve struggled with this in my life as well, only instead of football it’s my time as an active duty U.S. Marine. Despite leaving active and achieving much in my life, I can’t help but sometimes feel hollow on the inside, like a part of my soul is missing. A piece of my identity. Anywho, just figured I’d offer my two cents.

[@detg19]

Tv show was not to bat either I thought. Sure it’s not as close to the book

[@jameswebster4285]

Thank you for sharing and for your service my friend. I'm a former athlete myself that felt a great deal of emotion in Boobies side of the story(especially being a minority myself in predominantly white area). It's crazy how the book can put it all into context. Again, thank you.

[@danielnye2278]

@@jameswebster4285 I still cry everytime Boobie starts crying and asking his uncle what hes gonna do. I wish I had the same drive through high school that he did in that movie. Best character in that movie by far. They always make the jocks overly cocky on film but in reality if you aren't into trash talking then youll get no where as you get older. Man the stuff we talked back and forth growing up was quite hilarious. So many ur mama jokes

[@benitam4824]

God will fill that hollowness in your life.

[@pohunta]

Manbearpig I totally get what you're saying! I'm 53 and playing Varsity Football on a bad team is one of my greatest life highlights. I talk about it all the time to my children. My oldest Son didn't play 1 down of Football in High School and that hurts my heart. I realized now that when I graduated High School that I couldn't let myself be defined by High School ball. I too enlisted in the Marine Corps and Realized that that couldn't be my Life's Highlight. I've gone on to do other things but nothing really compares to being a Marine.

[@jessetracy4070]

I-right wiggle 34 switchblade, for the state championship. I love all y’all, I love all of ya 💔

[@zoknowssportsshow]

classic line

[@bubbasvlogs9143]

Sad bro

[@hendi775]

It was state semi finals

[@sambarclay2593]

Incapsulates what football is all about. In a few words.

[@Boosted89GT]

Tears me up everytime i see the movie and hear it!!!

[@famousamos]

Loved that movie as a kid.

[@hamiltonmasseyii4747]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpzUh5Kkhrt5sNk

[@duggan32]

Garrett Hedlund Frimmmmmm

[@e-rab_malibu34]

@@hamiltonmasseyii4747 seeing it in theaters was so intense dude

[@michaelherrera6074]

Lol. How are you

[@theSNAKEdocta]

I miss playing ball more then anything in the world.

[@rbinaei46]

theSNAKEdocta I think that’s every former player ..

[@d53507]

same here

[@raymiller6351]

The moment hit me a year in college that I didn't matter anymore because I don't play sports anymore. Worst feeling I have ever had. Going to being someone to another dude at the bar talking about the glory days sucks. It's what happens though. I am grateful to be able to play even if I wasn't good. Lots of people don't have the talent or abilities or mental abilities to play.

[@ryanharrington6389]

Then go play

[@ia4687]

Go coach theres tons of kids without a older brother dad uncle cousin who need guidance that's what I did best thing I ever did

[@taylorbuice4728]

My dad was on his high school football team. Even cooler (in regards to the Friday Night Lights story), my dad was the starting defensive tackle for Amarillo Palo Duro in 1988. That was the team Permian was playing in the scrimmage that Boobie Miles got hurt. My dad was about 15 feet away from that injury. It’s an interesting story to hear considering how famous this story is. (Palo Duro was also the team that knocked Midland Lee out of the playoffs in the first round that year. My dad looks fondly back at that game.)

[@Agslions]

Great feedback... and anyone that smiles at a Midland Lee loss is a friend in my book!!!

[@dblaq252]

Your dads a legend

[@theseifexperience6863]

Shit, I would too. Beat a team that famous in a story that famous would be awesome 🤘🏻

[@genebarnes6108]

Awesome thanks for sharing the history about your dad.

[@leo29hornsfan]

I grew up in Texas and played high school football. I envy people like your dad and loved this book. Thanks for sharing those memories.

[@jakeblain5910]

You really feel that connection while sweating, bleeding, playing through injuries and fighting like dogs on that field. I’ll forever miss playing with my brothers in Ratliff

[@imbatmanbitchh]

If i watch friday might lights enough times they'll win. 💔

[@McCullyClassic]

That hurts

[@11Ninety4]

Best damn FOOTBALL MOVIE EVER MADE IDGAD WHAT ANYONE SAYS

[@yuriburkel686]

The movie was nothing like the book

[@editnosmirc4489]

​@@yuriburkel686 how was the book?

[@editnosmirc4489]

And i agree with op. Either FNL or Remember The Titans

[@Quatin-mg9lv]

Definitely remember the titans

[@bigtugg4977]

Chavez looks like he’s a fierce competitor in Storage Wars

[@trevormay3779]

That’s to true

[@robertmoss4210]

Actually he's a Harvard grad and lawyer. In Odessa.

[@genghiskahn1989]

@@robertmoss4210 did he graduateat the top of his class?

[@d53507]

yeah i could relate to me played high school football and did not play another snap and i dropped a pick 6 every time i drive by that stadium wish i would’ve tried harder one thing i learned is don’t take things for granted

[@pete7665]

I was born and raised here in Odessa Tx and graduated from Permian in the early 90s. The football program hasn’t ever been the same after 1990. Now they cannot even make it to the playoffs and the turn out at the games isn’t like the glory days of Mighty Mojo.

[@randytyson7262]

Like here in Cameron - A lot of the generational fans have had kids who moved away, and the people who've moved in don't get the tradition. We have a saying here: "Defend The Tradition." But too many people don't get that it doesn't mean the players on the field or court. Players and coaches come and go. The fans are the ones who are here year after year, decade after decade. It's up to US to carry it on and teach it to the new generations. Yoe Nation literally used to be feared as intimidators, and not just in our home stadium. Now opponents brag on social media about not being afraid to play us. Dude, it's up to fans like us to get it back...

[@calvinbaII]

What changed after 1990? Didn't Permian still compete for titles for years during the 90s? Genuinely curious btw

[@thegreatalyssa]

@@calvinbaII It's true. It changed negatively. When it comes to the Plano Wildcats (who always beat MOJO btw!!) they had a powerhouse program start in the '60s (1960-1995 were winning seasons and from '65-'94 they had 7 State Championships and 2 losses at state) there are tremendous demographic changes with huge population growth. The newcomers took over and don't care about football. Up to 60% of the town is foreign and so not American and not caring about American football. Plano East did well at times and are known for their game against John Tyler (I was at that game). The neighboring town to Plano is Allen and Allen has done very well for a while now. Collin County, Texas has a lot of state football championships.

[@cherylmaynard1841]

Aww sad to hear. We won our games while attending school there in 91-94. Great times sore throats wonderful games. They will get there Mojo back give it time. Maybe better coach.

[@lancevance4516]

man i love high school football...sucks that next year is my last year...

[@tonyromochokemasternorings7581]

I feel you bro...

[@takticrazor408]

Lance Vance same bro.

[@michaelmedina8304]

damn bro play in college fuck some hoes party do some white

[@7LeggedOctopusTV]

Hope you enjoyed it. I'd do anything to go back

[@BillyJoe71]

Hope you're enjoying it, I graduated in 2008 and I miss it everyday. Never thought it miss 2 a days this much.

[@PsykoProduction]

wouldn't mind if this was a full feature doc ;)

[@kouamesergehermann7027]

Friday Night Lights movie here => twitter.com/5a7c12f9c4fef30f0/status/824453458354769920

[@bullrivers8408]

Remember playing on that field in the 80s. Man that was so fun times.

[@seniormasterghostshadow5923]

Nothin like home sweet home, born of dreams and success.. stay well and vigilant. Go Mojo. Class of 81’. Rock on guys.💯🇺🇸😎🌪🌎

[@texas_trill_guy_5677]

I played at Waxahachie HS, in Waxahachie, TX. Every team we lost to in the playoffs won state. We lost to Ennis my sophomore and junior year, Ennis won state both years. We lost to Denton Ryan in the playoffs, Denton Ryan won state. In 2002, we lost to Denton Ryan again in the playoffs. They won state I believe. In 2003, after I graduated in 2001, we lost to Corsicana HS in the playoffs. Corsicana lost to Smithson Valley who won state that year. That's one thing I miss, the locker room, the friendships, the battles in practice, the games, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS...

[@SeizeWar7771]

Gotta love this sport man

[@hankhill5622]

The best sports movie in my opinion. I love this movie and I’m in marching band 😂

[@donanger1968]

I attended my first game there last night. Permian 49 Odessa 28

[@ale_x263]

they arent a co-op anymore?

[@leiffearn1901]

I'm binge-watching the TV series now. Never saw the film and never saw the series when it was played. The TV series is extraordinary, where the descriptor relates to the story structure and the characters. The writing is terrific. I probably avoided the film and series when they played because there has always been something fundamentally øffensive about high school football. I played high school football and found offensive the notion that for many guys a decade or two after, high school football represented the best years of their lives. What a terrible thing to do to middle adolescents who will live 50-60 years after high school is over -- to let them believe in their hearts that three years of running and knocking people down are the best years. I played in college, as well, and found my on-field friends to be smart enough not to let football be that influential.

[@kyleschwartz2501]

This pain won’t go away once every single person at that game is dead. -Hank Hill

[@jlbf0786]

Undoubtedly one of, if not the best stories in US modern history. I love the series and the movie.. had no idea it was real, and written about in 88

[@cherylmaynard1841]

Mojo 94

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

Great movie and great TV show. I lived near Odessa, TX and HS football is religion out there.

[@RP9_rp9]

So proud to see the Ratliff stadium on a nicely shot KZbin video :)))) go mojo !!!!

[@henryjw15]

Grande is better.

[@zacharyrogerssr9331]

This gives me chills

[@Daytonian17]

I grew up watching this ... even the mini series .. hell even 2 a days with Hoover Alabama ... I miss football so much .. it’s been 8 years since my last game . Still so empty without it

[@pduran880]

My dad gave me this book years ago. So glad he did...

[@curtisbradford5255]

I have always played Football On Monday Night' Tuesday Night' Thursday Night' and especially underneath those Friday Night Lights!. Go Permian Panthers!.

[@emilyfortino3226]

I'm watching Friday Night Lights again now and it's suchhhhh a good story.

[@FadedBlack3000]

My favorite sports movie growing up made me love football even more! MOJO football baby!

[@aidenirvin2603]

It all started with a town, a team, and a dream.

[@hamiltonmasseyii4747]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpzUh5Kkhrt5sNk

[@Coyote-wm5op]

That movie came out when I was still playing high school football. I was in awe thinking how cool it would be if my team/town was like that. Then again that was in the 80’s and things were different then.

[@ericsmata]

It's still like that in a lot of small Texas towns. Definitely still like that in my hometown

[@nycenj3974]

This is why we STAND and respect our flag!!!

[@JorgeRodriguez-qn6vc]

I know the feeling. Someone should go to the Rio Grande Valley and ask for PSJA BEARS learn their history. 2 back to back state championship games and in 1995 we made a huge turn around. We would pray on the sideline and before we would get the play going. We played for the love and tradition PSJA has. Now its so different

[@mikesaladino9646]

Amazing ‼️

[@colonelrobertsjr.7882]

RIP Chris Comer😢💖🙏

[@genghiskahn1989]

What happened to him?

[@colonelrobertsjr.7882]

@@genghiskahn1989 www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/real-life-friday-night-lights-star-died-wednesday-in-houston/268297/

[@bobbirdwell5452]

I work at Permian HS…never seen the movie or the TV show. Go MOJO!

[@bigpaulie806]

Great movie

[@jordangroff8978]

My man Ivory!!

[@wildcats1913]

I love pantheres .

[@shoutingsilence8842]

This could've been longer and better.

[@74Spirit1]

When this really went down, I was a Freshman at Perrin-Whitt.

[@LittleLouieLagazza]

Excellent!!!

[@KevinCummingsFitness]

Best movie!

[@noeramirez4829]

They are still pretty good, they destroyed us my Freshman year. 😂 gonna enjoy my last year as Varsity.

[@CertainEars]

I live here

[@freddysorangepill8123]

wow love the movie!

[@jerryobrien2848]

Went tooo Midland lee during this time . Great great football in west Texas

[@randytyson7262]

All over Texas! Especially out in the small towns! Nothing like it! GO BIG YOE!!!

[@brandonlarsen4813]

would love to visit there those cheerleaders look fine

[@retro1937]

Being perfect!!!

[@brianglass7767]

Awesome!

[@samzeigler4088]

Playing for the game is not corny it’s how the game should be

[@dbrkey328]

They need to bring back Friday night lights

[@deacthefreak1909]

The feels

[@davidgonima2938]

Just finished the book... wow...

[@Kappalot_]

I'm gonna be a Permian freshman this year

[@randytyson7262]

Go for it, young man. Never back down, never give up. If you're going to do it, make it count. Every rep, every step, every drop of sweat. The whole purpose of taking that first step onto the practice field in late summer should be to take your last step off the field at Cowboys Stadium in December. ;^)

[@CevinBeverly]

i know marching bad has nothing on football.......BUT....it has the same effect on family and doing it for the last.....i really miss it....id do it again

[@ryanharrington6389]

Hey! Don't sale u guys short. U guys brought the mojo and the feel. We loved when the band played. The band was a huge part of the team.

[@jackiewilliams2528]

If you want to see an amazing video about a small football town where the whole community community comes out. Watch "What is a Mustang".. It's about my school. My community, the band, the football team, the cheerleaders, the student section, and all of the fans. ! It's all of the band, fans, cheerleaders, student section, and many others.

[@Rang3rz]

i’m from west texas so i know what this is about and know the meaning #MOJO

[@ariammunoz6401]

Woo! I live in Odessa Texas

[@robindabank4089]

Ariam Munoz do you know any crack dealers im new to odessa

[@ashlynacosta4927]

Ariam Munoz samee

[@chachi_luna]

Same!

[@henryjw15]

I live in midland

[@6pimpplaya6]

I live in el paso

[@colonelrobertsjr.7882]

Man other than the boosters and alums putting NFL type pressure on the players and coaches, I would've loved to play for a program like Permian.

[@randytyson7262]

Most Texas football players peak in high school because it's taken so seriously...

[@deandrescott9264]

Nice 👍

[@mikesullivan9554]

brilliant article, I just read it in SI. This is a long shot question here, but does anybody know who did the music score for the documentary on the 1988 team (on the FNL dvd)

[@tonyromochokemasternorings7581]

Explosions in the sky. I believe

[@ashlynacosta4927]

I live Odessa tx and I live right by mojo !😂

[@ttvrocki3268]

How is it

[@randytyson7262]

Texas high school football, baby. Nothing like it, and not just in the big cities. You want to REALLY see it - EXPERIENCE it - get out in the boonies and go to some small town games. ;) GO BIG YOE!!!

[@juan_ctzz]

Randy TYSON east Texas baby

[@raidermatteo]

@mike Sullivan a group named explosions in the sky from Midland tx did mostly all of the instrumental for the film and I notice some similarities so try them good luck

[@Nimrodbodeinejr]

Class of 87 Judson High School

[@MrLadyadam]

What’s the name of the song at 1:06

[@colonelrobertsjr.7882]

Did anyone notice WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk doing the TV interview in the deleted scenes?

[@randytyson7262]

Yep, and I've seen Funk wearing Mojo shirts at wrestling events!

[@SteelerLee910]

Loved the movie but shouldn’t have made Dallas Carter look like they played dirty during the game.

[@bryanblack526]

Does anyone know how many D1 atheletes from Carter got drafted from college into the NFL and who from that group got the longest sentence?

[@tycoon214]

The movie was cool until I found out how everything actually went down

[@irishsergio4993]

song at 1:40?

[@irishsergio4993]

Know all there songs I don't think it is :/

[@MacNHatter]

what's the song that starts at 1:12?

[@weaponson3-158]

Why is the story/movie about this year, and not the next year where they won?

[@gavin5821]

I've played at Ratliff

[@Иваныч89]

Что за фильм?

[@dboyd1124]

Come cover cuero gobblers we just won state Dec 21st 2018 state champs!!!!

[@jenniferbrdar4605]

Congrats to your 2018 State Championship! Much Respect-a fan of 4-time back to back Colorado State 8-man Football Champions (Sedgwick County Cougars) #onedreamoneteam #twoschools #threetowns #fourtimeschampion #farmboyfootball

[@randytyson7262]

Big congrats! I was on the sideline for the state semi in '87. Wish we could get a lil' home-and-away right down Hwy 77. ;^) GO BIG YOE!!!

[@mattysheehan9786]

Why change the first names..?

[@angelacollins2615]

That's my school. :)))

[@rylandnelson3897]

My English teacher is in this movie

[@ericlam6925]

What’s the song playing in the background

[@gastonave]

I don't have any interest in football and I couldn't put the book down till I finished.

[@coachm86]

Lucas Black sounds just like Mike Winchell

[@levimaag9497]

My town and high school are the exact same. Wore the same colors.

[@drewhendley]

Zanesville Oh page 25 My hometown

[@southfieldtrill9690]

Insaneville!!! Im in Columbus614

[@crom4023]

I visited Zanesville for a few weeks back in 13'. Pretty nice scenic place compared to west Texas.

[@nascarbilly2424]

Was the photographer like 15 back then?

[@maxledbetter5182]

Why MHS work them this year though?

[@weasley2o13]

2:25 source? Its an ecxeptional photo, it looks like a real moment and I would love to know where to look for it ( I'm writing a book and that picture tickles somethong in me, I would like to keep looking at it) Thank you.

[@awsomealien234]

I mean they obviously listed the photographer and everything else.

[@jason916]

If high school football was your best days your life is a failure

[@ms.felonystrutter2472]

I did a thesis on the book. As a life long Dallas Cowboys fan in Philadelphia, PA. the book gave me an insight to Texas High School football It also answered a lot of questions for me. The Dallas Cowboys are TRULY America's Team, you would be shocked be it Texas Stadium or Cowboys Stadium (not really the Cotton Bowl Days) ...you would be shocked how many Cowboys fans that fill up those stadiums are from all around the globe, let alone the USA. Down in Texas, the at least back in the 80's, they spent more on a team charter flight to the TEXAS State Championships at Irving then they did the entire fiscal year on computers and text books. Hell, many people in Texas do not support Pro Football because they think it is slap in the face to get paid playing "their" game. How Canada feels about hockey, Texas feels that way about high school/college football. It is actually PATHETIC. How an entire town hangs it hope and dreams for a year on 14, 15 year old boys. Totally corrupt with big money...SAD.

[@randytyson7262]

Hope that wasn't all your thesis. You obviously didn't dig further with your research...

[@SimpleCodyAcc]

clear them eyes and have the heart of Jesus too bad alot sold out because they didnt believe in Jesus

[@blord1205]

Change my mind: East Dillion Lions > Dillon Panthers

[@eduardocontreras7115]

Its aweful cause all those guys should of went to college. And they played monstets damm dudes look like they wete in their 30s the dallas carter damm its sad for them look were they ended pay check to paycheck it sad i saw the story n saw were they are now damm its aweful but i hope there happy