<P> The character is inspired by the real - life events in the career of David Edwards, a high school player in San Antonio, Texas . </P> <P> Jason is portrayed as a confident, affable, charismatic and popular all - American high school student from a middle - class home with loving and supportive, although sometimes over-protective, parents . He is presumably the only child of Mitchell and Joanne Street (there is no mention of siblings). He, Landry and Julie Taylor are the only original main characters in high school who come from stable, two - parent families, in contrast to the others, all of whom come from divorced or single - parent homes or families with absent parental figures . Of the adult characters in the show, Jason is closest to Coach Taylor, who coached him since elementary school and was his position coach in high school, and often seeks his advice . </P> <P> Despite his social status as a jock and star quarterback, he is well - liked by everyone, young and old, in both his school and the community (including the notoriously difficult and loud - mouthed Buddy Garrity). Tim Riggins once called him "the heart" of the Panthers team and as the season progresses, it becomes apparent that he still commanded his former teammates' respect and loyalty, even from his wheelchair . </P> <P> Jason is best friends with Tim Riggins, his fullback . They have known each other, and Jason's (ex) girlfriend Lyla Garrity, since middle school . Throughout the show they are seen supporting each other almost unconditionally and bailing one another out of trouble . Prior to his injury, Jason was dating Lyla Garrity, who was then captain of the cheerleading team, and had an on - off relationship and brief engagement before circumstances led them to break up for good . Their friendship is tested in Season 1 when Tim sleeps with Lyla to cope with his feelings of guilt and self - hatred as he felt he could have prevented Jason's injury by tackling the defensive player before Jason did . In Season 2, they are on speaking terms and still good friends . </P>

How does jason find out about tim and lyla