Meet the James family, the heartbeat of Fort Worth Arlington Heights football
If you sit down to watch an NFL game with the James family, it could take your entire afternoon.
That’s because Curtis James, head coach of Fort Worth Arlington Heights, usually records everything. He is constantly rewinding to take a closer look at plays he might add to the Yellowjackets’ arsenal.
The James family tries to balance life and football, yet the game finds a way to take over their lives. How could it not? Coach James’ youngest sons all have prominent roles on Heights’ team and have been on varsity since their freshman years.
Senior defensive end Caynan James is a UTEP pledge who made 80 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. He is on track to become the winningest player in Heights’ history.
Carter James, also on the defensive line, had 67 tackles and 12 sacks last season. Carson James, Carter’s twin brother and also a junior, is a physical running back with a knack for breaking tackles. He tallied 1,118 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
It makes sense that they’ve been elite athletes, given the James family’s long history of athletic success. Coach James played professional arena football and was an All-American at Stephen F. Austin.
Damion James, Coach James’ cousin, was the 24th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. His brother, Delvin James, played professional baseball and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1996.
The athleticism runs deep — Coach James’ oldest son, Corban, was a two-time district defensive MVP at Heights and played college ball at Northwestern State and Tarleton State, while their sister, Dionna, set school records in track and competed at the UIL state meet before joining UNT.
Throughout life, the James crew has been surrounded by greatness. And they become better athletes and competitors just by having their siblings around.
All three, especially Carter, are competitive with everything: Football, 12-hour UNO marathons, beach volleyball, board games, wall ball and debates.
All sports and competitions have helped bring the family together, according to Carter. Throughout life, each sibling spent time at the others’ games to showcase their support.
“It’s a lot and sometimes we wouldn’t want to be there,” Carter said. “But, you know, I always want to support my sister, so I think that created a bond. I’m always trying to be there for them.”
Balancing fatherhood and coaching
Carter said that his family is one of the closest-knit families he has been around. That family bond translates to the gridiron, where all three call coach James “Dad.”
Having your father guide your high school football journey can be challenging, but the kids said it helps them learn on a deeper level.
“Being coached by my dad, it’s been fun,” Carson James said. “It has its moments when I just feel like he’s not seeing things my way. But then, because he’s my dad, we have that connection where he can just slow everything down and explain to me — the things I need to know.”
Caynan said that before his freshman year, he was scared to play for his father. He knew it would be a challenge. However, he quickly realized it would be a positive experience.
“He has my best intentions in mind, and he’s just trying to do everything he can to make me better,” Caynan said.
Although Coach James values hard work, he emphasized that the most important thing for any coach is to ensure all kids, not just their kids, have fun and enjoy the process.
While valuing the human over the player, James said he has found a knack for mentorship. Whether it’s revitalizing a love for the game, helping a troubled kid find meaning, or instilling knowledge in his sons.
“People have the voice in the back of their head that guides them,” Carter said. “For me, it’s my dad’s voice, saying to keep going and to keep pushing. It’s amazing. I love that he’s able to push me and he’s able to push me harder than anybody else can.”
Going beyond the field
When longtime head coach Phil Young retired ahead of the 2023 season, the community called for James’ promotion. Young said he has been the team’s longtime heartbeat.
Now, with over two years of experience as a head coach, Coach James has over 20 years of total coaching experience.
He said he believes his calling is not only to help his own kids, but also to impact every student-athlete who comes into his program. He added that every day, even the hard ones, is a blessing and joy.
“When you feel like you’re working when you’re coaching, find another job,” Coach James said. “Because it takes a lot of time. Kids don’t just need coaching on the field; they need life coaching — how to get a job, how to go to class and talk to a teacher about a grade problem, how to apply for college scholarships, or how to work on other problems they have.”
The James kids all have leadership roles on the team. They lead by example, with their standout performances on the field and consistent discipline in the weight room.
Carson can powerclean 320 pounds. Caynan, the oldest, can squat 675 pounds. Carter, who had a team-high 25 tackles for loss last season, squats 605 pounds.
The talent is evident, yet the three aim to stay humble. Carson said they strive to treat others how they would want to be treated, and to always remember the value of kindness and respect.
“I could have knucklehead kids, and I don’t,” Coach James said. “I’m very blessed. ... They are a joy to be around. My wife — I give her all the credit for that. She did a very good job.”
District title conversation
After the events of the last two seasons, the James family name has become synonymous with Arlington Heights football. Coach James’ boys led the team to a 9-2 record, a playoff appearance, and a win over Paschal in the revitalized Battle of the Bonfire rivalry.
The kids are representing not only themselves, but the Yellowjacket program and the community while playing some elite football in District 4-5A Division I.
“It’s amazing to be able to like represent (Heights), and have my face, body and my spirit be the one showing people what Heights is like and what being a Yellow Jacket is like,” Carter said. So, I take that responsibility with pride and joy, and I try and show my best out every time I get the chance to.”
Arlington Heights, a team that had a large group of productive sophomores last season, is expected to compete for a district championship; Dave Campbell’s Texas Football picked them as the preseason favorite.
Saginaw, Paschal, Chisholm Trail and more could be in the mix. Traveling out of Fort Worth for away games is sometimes an obstacle, according to James. But he has faith the Jackets will be a “blue collar team” that goes through the process the right way.
“We’re going to be hard-nosed; we’re going to work hard,” Coach James said. “We’re gonna try to outwork you. We’re going to play physical football.”
When watching a Heights game, you might see an offensive package that features all three James kids. Although Coach James has two more years with Carter and Carson, he knows those special moments are fleeting. He said he’ll try to savor the time.
“I want to enjoy every single moment of my time coaching them, because I love the process,” James said. “It’s been a blessing.”
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
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