Former Detroit Lions Backup Seeking NFL Return

Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly setting his sights on a return to the NFL, stepping away from his brief coaching stint at his alma mater, Miami (Fla.) Northwestern High School.

Bridgewater’s decision to depart the program comes on the heels of a recent suspension. Just three weeks ago, he was disciplined by the school amid allegations that he provided impermissible benefits to players on the team. The fallout has prompted the longtime NFL signal-caller to embark on a comeback journey. 

Bridgewater had transitioned into coaching following the 2023 NFL season, and proceeded to lead Northwestern on a state title run in his first season on the job. The Miami-based high school went 12-2 in 2024, outscoring its opponents, 262-12, in five playoff games. Additionally, it closed out the season on a 10-game winning streak.

The 32-year-old last played for the Detroit Lions, suiting up for parts of the past two seasons. He briefly relieved Jared Goff during Detroit’s divisional round playoff loss to the Washington Commanders this past January.

A first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, Bridgewater holds a 33-32 career record as a starter, and has thrown for 75 touchdowns and 15,120 yards across 79 total games. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2015 with Minnesota, and has since spent time with multiple organizations, including the Saints, Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins and Lions.

After Kyle Allen's porous showing in Detroit's 2025 preseason opener against the L.A. Chargers, speculation has run rampant that a reunion between Bridgewater and the Lions could be in store. Allen completed nine-of-14 passes for 91 yards against the Chargers, but also threw two interceptions and made several head-scratching decisions. The performance from the career journeyman passer did little to suggest he's the right man for the team’s backup QB job.