Teddy Bridgewater: From the Sidelines to the Field and Back Again
Teddy Bridgewater may have played what seemed to be his final snap in the NFL on October 8, 2023, but the quarterback appears to have more in store for his football journey. After making a splash as a high school football coach, leading Miami Northwestern to a state championship with a commanding 41-0 victory over Raines, Bridgewater now has his sights set on a potential return to professional football.
From NFL Star to High School Champion
Bridgewater’s transition from NFL quarterback to high school coach was nothing short of spectacular. His coaching debut culminated in Miami Northwestern securing a state title, a goal that he humbly cherished. Reflecting on this achievement, Bridgewater expressed, “Right now I'm enjoying this,” savoring his high school team's success.
His coaching prowess wasn’t just an accidental hit; it’s a testament to his deep understanding of the game. Bridgewater, whose NFL career began in 2014 with the Minnesota Vikings, carried over lessons from his time with several teams, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions. This wide-ranging experience enriched his coaching strategy, making his switch to mentoring budding athletes seamless and fruitful.
Eyes on an NFL Comeback
Despite his achievements on the high school field, Bridgewater hasn’t ruled out a return to the pro gridiron. “That's the plan,” he confirmed when asked about coming back as an NFL quarterback. Currently, with just three weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season, he teased a possible signing: “We’ll see how these next week and a half, two weeks play out. Might be signing with a team or something and then returning back to coach high school football in February.”
Such a move would be a full-circle moment for Bridgewater, who started 65 games in the NFL, amassing 15,120 passing yards and 75 touchdowns. His record as a starter stands nearly evenly split at 33-32, a testament to his fight and resilience on the field.
The Current Playoff Landscape
As the NFL heads towards the playoffs, several teams have already clinched postseason spots, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings. It’s an interesting mix, and it remains to be seen whether Bridgewater will join one of these playoff-bound squads or lend his skills to another team in need.
Whatever happens, Bridgewater’s journey is far from over. Whether he’s calling plays from the sidelines or throwing passes on the field, his passion for the game continues to shine brightly. His fans eagerly await his next move, knowing that wherever he lands, success is likely to follow.