Teddy Bridgewater eyes NFL return after high school coaching suspension
Teddy Bridgewater’s NFL return appears imminent.
The veteran quarterback is visiting the Buccaneers on Tuesday and is expected to sign with the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Tuesday’s news comes one day after Rivals reported that Bridgewater, 32, is pursuing a return to professional football after leaving his job as head football coach of high school powerhouse Miami Northwestern (Fla.).
He was suspended by Miami Northwestern last month for allegedly providing impermissible benefits to his players.
Bridgewater led Miami Northwestern to the Class 3A state championship, then joined the Lions as a backup quarterback for last year’s playoffs just weeks after the high school season ended.
Bridgewater initially announced his retirement from the NFL in 2023 after serving as the Lions’ backup for that season.
He un-retired to rejoin Detroit last year but did not appear in a game, and is now looking for other opportunities.
According to Rivals, Bridgewater’s suspension is related to comments he made in July, asking Northwestern fans to help cover out-of-pocket costs that included $700 per week for Uber rides, $1,300 per week for athletic recovery services and $2,200 per week for pre-game meals during the season.
The quarterback took to social media in response to the suspension.
“The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you. So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE,” he wrote on Facebook, according to Rivals.
“And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem.”
Bridgewater played 10 seasons in the league, including four years as a starter – with the Vikings in 2014 and 2015, the Panthers in 2020 and the Broncos in 2021.
The former Louisville standout had his best season with Minnesota in 2015, earning a ProBowl nod after throwing for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Baker Mayfield is the starter in Tampa Bay.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
