Father/Son Relationship On & Off The Gridiron
(CEDAR HILL, TX) The fourth quarter is approaching at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa,
Florida, and the Dallas Cowboys hold a 26-21 lead over the New England Patriots in Super
Bowl LV.
It’s a competitive game of Madden 20, and instead of Mike McCarthy and Bill Belichick
exchanging strategies, it’s the Cedar Hill High School father-son duo of Carlos and Caleb Lynn.
Although Carlos, the fourth year Cedar Hill Head Football Coach, has led the Longhorns to
consecutive district championships, it’s Caleb, a 16-year-old CHHS junior, who holds the edge in video game football.
Video games are just one way that Carlos and Caleb celebrate their father-son relationship.
They also enjoy movies, dining and of course, football. That is how they will spend Father’s Day 2020. The occasion usually involves going out to dinner, but due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the family is adjusting accordingly.
“We are low maintenance,” Carlos said. “We like watching other sporting events, and he’s
learning how to drive now.”
Caleb plays halfback on the CHHS Junior Varsity Football Team, and he’s also a long snapper– a position that Carlos coaches directly.
Carlos has enjoyed the opportunity to coach Caleb, but they both know that it is player-coach at school, and father-son at home.
No Special Treatment On The Field
“We all wear different hats,” Carlos said. “When it’s time to be a coach, you put on a coach hat. When it’s time to be a dad, you put on the dad hat. You manage and navigate between the two.”
Caleb, who also plays baseball for the Longhorns, appreciates Carlos’ ability to manage those roles.
“I don’t feel like I get special treatment,” Caleb said. “I feel like I’m just another player. He has taught me a lot about football that I didn’t know before.
Caleb overcame cancer twice, at ages 8 and 13 and credits his parents, Carlos and Antwanette, with helping their only child through those challenging times.
“They’ve stayed strong for me, and I’ve had to stay strong for myself,” Caleb said. “They know that I’m a fighter and that I can get through anything.”
A Special Young Man That’s Unstoppable
Antwanette, who works in CHISD’s Special Education Department, enjoys watching the
relationship between Carlos and Caleb.
Caleb is now cancer free, but he’s gone through multiple facial reconstruction surgeries.
Because he loves playing sports so much, he’s scheduled them around the baseball and
football seasons.
“Caleb is a phenomenal kid, and the way he’s gone through everything has helped us get
through it,” Antwanette said. “He hasn’t let anything stop him whatsoever.”
Caleb has played football since his freshman year, but he’s charting his own path, post-high
school, thanks to another interest. He would like to possibly pursue a career in welding.
“You need a great deal of focus and precision to be successful with welding,” Caleb said.
Carlos is proud that Caleb is simultaneously playing football and pursuing his own interests,
academically and career-wise.
“He is such a good young man,” Carlos said. “He doesn’t use our relationship as leverage. At school, he’s just one of the guys, and I try not to treat him any differently.”
