Harlequin Presents author Jennifer Hayward is here today to tell us all about why she loves the character of Coach Eric Taylor from Friday Night Lights. He’s a personal favorite of ours too, so enjoy the explanation…and the visuals 🙂
![Erictaylor[1]](https://www.writeforharlequin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Erictaylor1.jpg)
Kyle Chandler in his role as Coach Eric Taylor on the television series Friday Night Lights.
I often say to people that this series, my all-time favourite television show, is not about football, it’s about life. In the first episode, we’re taken into the world of Dillon, Texas, “where high school football brings the community together — and the drama of small town life threatens to tear it apart.”
From the minute Coach Taylor walks into this show as the new coach of the Dillon Panthers, I fell in love with him. He is not only the man who might make this team believe again, he is also the glue that binds them together. He teaches them big life lessons – how to live and play with your heart, how to be men their families and community can be proud of. He becomes a second father to many of the players who are desperately looking for a role model they can aspire to.
Early on in the show, when his squabbling team is working toward its dream of a state championship, Coach Taylor scrawls the following on the chalkboard in the locker room: ‘Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.’ It becomes the theme for the show and is emblematic of what I love so much about Coach Taylor’s character. He is a man of honor.
Eric Taylor is also the sexiest husband on the face of the planet to the wonderful Connie Britton many of you will know from Nashville. Britton works as the guidance counselor at the high school and the chemistry these two share is palpable. It’s tough, sweet, sexy and subtle. All it takes is one glance between them and you can see how he wants to devour her. Their dialogue and interplay is fabulous. As is the give and take between them as they bring up their family in this pressure cooker of a football town. Eric Taylor is also a great dad. The whole package.
Although I write ultra-wealthy, powerful alpha males for Presents, it’s the heart and honor of this character that gets to me every time. It’s what I look to instill in every alpha I write because I think it makes the man. ‘Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.’ No you can’t.
We’d fight Jennifer Hayward tooth and nail for a place on Coach Taylor’s team, but what do you think of this gorgeous Texan hero? (Biased? Us? Never…)
5 replies on “My Ultimate Crush: Coach Eric Taylor”
I love hearing where authors find their inspiration. Jennifer – Might I suggest Alexander Skarsgard as the inspiration for your next book? 🙂
Oh yes Jenn Lynn – my husband is Swedish 🙂 I’m on it!
In one photo, I’ve just been convinced to watch this show. #dreamboat
You won’t be disappointed, Shannon, trust us.
I know right Shannon?!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!