Lyla Garrity

Lyla Garrity is a fictional character, portrayed by Minka Kelly, in the sports drama television series Friday Night Lights.

When her family turned out to be nothing but perfect as it initially seemed due to her parents’ divorce, she came to question almost everything in her life, leading her to quit the cheerleading quad which she was the captain of and grow closer to her Christian faith.

In fact, her relationship with Jason started to fall apart after his injury and reached its lowest point after she cheated on him with Tim, who also had realized he was in love with her.

However, things turned out be irreparable in her and Jason’s relationship as the two kept growing apart even after reconciling until they split up for good, but by season three, they were on friendly terms, as she was the first person he confided in about wanting to move to New York City.

Her troubles are exacerbated when she catches Jason with a woman he met while training for the Olympic trials in Austin and breaks off the engagement, ending their relationship for good.

At the radio station, she meets a devout young man who also attends her church, Chris (Matt Czuchry), and they begin dating.

She learns that he was born on American soil but his parents, being illegal immigrants, were deported back to Mexico several years ago and that he lives with his relatives.

Buddy later recommends him to Coach Taylor and Santiago tries out for the Panthers football team with some help from Tim, Matt Saracen, and Brian "Smash" Williams.