At the 2026 Actor Awards, Jesse Plemons visibly expressed pride when Michael B. Jordan, his former Friday Night Lights co-star, received the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role trophy. Jordan won for his role in the film Sinners, while Plemons was also nominated for his work in Bugonia.
When Michael B. Jordan was announced as the winner, Jesse Plemons gave a standing ovation, capturing the attention of viewers and social media users who recalled the actors’ shared history on the acclaimed series Friday Night Lights.
Past Collaboration on Friday Night Lights
Before their recognition as award-nominated film actors, both Plemons and Jordan starred in the TV drama Friday Night Lights, which aired for five seasons and concluded in 2011. The series dramatized the lives of high school football players and their coach in a small Texas town, portraying both on- and off-field struggles.
The cast included notable actors such as Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, Zach Gilford, Aimee Teegarden, Kyle Chandler, and Connie Britton. The show drew inspiration from H. G. Bissinger’s 1990 book, also adapted into a 2004 movie featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Jay Hernandez, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw, and Connie Britton.
On the show, Jesse Plemons portrayed Landry Clarke, a polite and somewhat awkward teenager who wasn’t initially interested in football, while Michael B. Jordan played Vince Howard, the team’s quarterback.
Plemons Reflects on His Time with Friday Night Lights
In a 2025 interview on Entertainment Weekly’s The Awardist podcast, Plemons revealed how the series influenced his career and creative approach to acting. He explained that it was his first steady role on television and the project where he worked the most.
“It was definitely huge in terms of that was my first series regular and it was the most I had worked,”
Plemons said.
“But I think what it did more than anything was just kind of inspire me creatively because it was such an unusual scenario for a network television show and we were given so much freedom and encouraged to really make the parts our own.”
He added that the freedom provided by the show made him fall deeply in love with acting:
“The series made me fall in love with acting in a different way, just being given that kind of… that freedom and that responsibility.”
Excitement from Fans and Social Media Reaction
Footage showing Jesse Plemons enthusiastically applauding Jordan circulated widely on social media, drawing praise from fans for his supportive sportsmanship despite not winning. A YouTube user commented,
“Jesse was so excited for him,”
while another remarked,
“out here winning Best Teammate while losing the award.”
The camaraderie between the two actors, rooted in their time on Friday Night Lights, resonated strongly with viewers.
Upcoming Friday Night Lights Reboot and Legacy
In 2024, Peacock announced plans for a reboot of Friday Night Lights, which will feature a new cast, reviving interest in the show’s impactful storytelling. This upcoming series aims to introduce a fresh generation to the intense drama and complex characters that made the original beloved.
Jesse Plemons’ heartfelt reaction to Michael B. Jordan’s award win underscores the lasting bonds formed through their shared past, while both actors continue to build successful film careers. Their journey from Friday Night Lights to prominent film recognition reflects their evolving craft and influence within the entertainment industry.
