Bridgewater’s Unexpected Return to the NFL Draws Attention Following Coaching Role Announcement
Teddy Bridgewater, the 32-year-old quarterback who recently retired after a season with the Detroit Lions, has reignited speculation about a potential NFL comeback. Known for his stability and leadership on the field, Bridgewater, whose final season saw him mentoring young talents like Hendon Hooker and Jameson Williams, is eyeing a return to the professional ranks once his commitment to high school coaching concludes.
Bridgewater’s Career and Impact in Detroit
Bridgewater spent his final NFL season with the Lions, providing valuable veteran depth behind starter Jared Goff and helping rookie Hendon Hooker recover from a torn ACL. While he didn’t see action on the field in 2023, his presence was felt in the locker room. “He said, ‘Man, I’m telling you, you’ll make a huge impact in Hendon and Jamo’s life just being here,’” Bridgewater recalled of his conversation with Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
His leadership extended beyond the field as he contributed to the development of Detroit’s young talent. In Bridgewater’s eyes, mentoring Hooker and Williams was as rewarding as any game-winning drive, and this mentorship cemented his decision to return for one last season in 2023.
The NFL Comeback: Is Bridgewater Ready?
Bridgewater’s NFL career spans nine years and six teams, with impressive stats that underscore his value as a reliable quarterback. Over his career, he accumulated 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. His last full-time starting season came in 2021 with the Denver Broncos, where he completed 66.9% of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
With so many starting quarterback opportunities emerging across the league, Bridgewater’s social media post about returning to the NFL has sparked considerable interest. “So many QB jobs available for me after we make this state title run. I can’t wait to return back to the NFL,” he wrote on X, setting the stage for a potential comeback.
Bridgewater’s Legacy and Future Plans
Bridgewater’s decision to retire in 2023 was influenced by his desire to focus on coaching high school football. However, his passion for the game, combined with the prospects of several open quarterback positions in the NFL, has left many wondering if his return is inevitable. With his experience and strong leadership skills, Bridgewater could offer much-needed depth to a team in need of a veteran presence.
Whether or not his coaching role will allow him to return to the NFL is still uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Teddy Bridgewater’s impact on the league and the young quarterbacks he mentored, particularly in Detroit, will continue to be felt, regardless of where his career takes him next.
