(Zach Gilford): The shy, second-string quarterback who must suddenly lead the team while caring for his grandmother.

(Taylor Kitsch): A talented but troubled fullback struggling with alcoholism and a broken home.

The series begins with the appointment of (Kyle Chandler) as the new head coach of the Dillon Panthers. The central plot of the first season revolves around a tragedy in the opening game: star quarterback and town hero Jason Street (Scott Porter) suffers a spinal injury that leaves him paralyzed.

As Coach Taylor faces immense pressure from the town to win the state championship despite this loss, the show follows the lives of the players and residents: