Teddy Bridgewater is making a noteworthy return to the NFL, joining the Detroit Lions for another chapter in his storied career. At 32 years old, Bridgewater brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep history with the league—a resume that includes stops in Minnesota, New Orleans, Carolina, Denver, and Miami.
The former first-round pick, initially drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, has traversed the NFL landscape, honing his craft with each team he's joined. This latest move sees him back with the Detroit Lions, a franchise he has suited up for in the past—a familiar environment for a player known for his professional demeanor and veteran presence on and off the field.
Dan Campbell, the Lions' head coach, emphasized the importance of Bridgewater's return, noting his experience and the continuity he brings. "To be able to add somebody back here that's got experience, he's stayed in shape, he's been throwing... it just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence," Campbell stated. This move is strategic, diversifying the Lions' quarterback options and providing a safety net with solid depth in their roster.
The Lions’ quarterback lineup is considerable, already including established starter Jared Goff, along with Hendon Hooker and Jake Fromm. Bridgewater’s addition isn't a signal of dissatisfaction with Hooker; as Campbell clarified, "Doesn't mean we're disappointed in Hooker" and emphasized that it "does not mean that Hooker is out." Instead, Bridgewater offers "a solid option for the emergency third quarterback," ensuring that if unforeseen circumstances arise, the team will have "your third ready to roll."
Bridgewater's proficiency as a quarterback is reflected in his career numbers, which boast 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. However, his recent stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2022 didn’t yield wins, ending with a 0-2 record. Overall, he has chalked up 33-32 career starts—numbers that highlight both his experience and resilience.
The journey back to the NFL comes after a successful turn as a high school football coach, where Bridgewater led Miami Northwestern to a state championship—a testament to his leadership qualities and football acumen, which Campbell praised. "It's great for our team. I think everybody in that locker room respects Teddy and what he stands for," Campbell remarked, emphasizing the respect Bridgewater commands among his peers and coaching staff.
Reflecting on his future, Bridgewater hinted that this NFL return might not be permanent. "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," he noted. This suggests that Bridgewater remains grounded, keeping doors open for a possible return to coaching, a role in which he has already found success.
The decision to bring Bridgewater back not only bolsters the Lions' quarterback room but also aligns with their heightened ambitions this season. The Detroit Lions, facing elevated expectations with the second-best odds of winning the Super Bowl according to Caesars Sportsbook, aim to capitalize on every resource available to them—on and off the field.
Bridgewater's addition signifies not just a strategic move for depth but potentially a motivational boost for the Lions as they embark on this highly anticipated season. As Campbell summarized, Bridgewater's role is one where "you feel like makes everybody around them a little bit better." With Bridgewater in the fold, the Lions hope to see this effect ripple throughout the locker room, translating into success on game days.