Buccaneers’ Bridgewater: It’s ‘Very Upsetting’ I’m in the NFL Instead of Coaching in High School

Buccaneers backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly unhappy that he’s currently in the NFL.

Bridgewater’s signing with the Buccaneers followed his suspension from Miami Northwestern High School, where he was head coach, due to allegations of providing “impermissible benefits” to players. Bridgewater claimed he was just trying to support his players, covering expenses like Uber rides, meals and physical therapy sessions, citing his paternal instincts and concern for their well-being.

Florida high school officials investigated, but Bridgewater maintained he self-reported the expenses and acted in good faith. The suspension sparked debate, with some sympathizing with Bridgewater’s intentions.

“It’s very upsetting,” Bridgewater stated, via the Associated Press. “Just knowing that you have good intentions and those good intentions will be turned against you and used against you.”

Teddy Bridgewater hopes to return to coaching in the future.

“I’m hoping to get it resolved because those kids have a special place in my heart,” Bridgewater stated. “And I’d love to finish what I started with them.”

Despite his lucrative $1 million+ contract with the Buccaneers, Teddy Bridgewater’s true passion lies in coaching.

“I can make a ton of money playing football,” Bridgewater stated. “Coaching high school ball, I get nothing. But it’s not even about the money. It’s about giving those kids a building block to go out into the real world and be productive.”

While coaching high school might be a future pursuit for Teddy Bridgewater, this season he’ll be focusing on his NFL role with the Buccaneers.