Teddy Bridgewater had intended to focus on football this year, though not with the urgency that recent events have forced upon him. Instead of preparing solely for his Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason debut in Pittsburgh, the 32-year-old quarterback found himself involved in a suspension related to his role as head coach at Northwestern High School in Miami, his alma mater. The ongoing investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association has complicated his plans as he seeks a return to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL.
From High School Sidelines to NFL Quarterback Room
Bridgewater’s post-retirement path took an unexpected detour when a Facebook post, aimed at raising funds to support team expenses he personally covered, led to his suspension. Despite not receiving a salary for coaching, his self-reported payments for essentials like food and transportation were deemed potential violations. This development disrupted his original plan to spend the season coaching before exploring NFL opportunities, similar to last year when he served as a backup for the Detroit Lions during their playoff run.
Following a joint practice between the Buccaneers and Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Bridgewater expressed his frustration:
Just knowing that you have good intentions and those good intentions will be turned against you and used against you.
—Teddy Bridgewater, Head Coach and Quarterback
Despite the setback, Bridgewater remains committed to his players and hopes to resolve the situation quickly.
I’m hoping to get it resolved because those kids have a special place in my heart,
he said.
And I’d love to finish what I started with them.
—Teddy Bridgewater, Head Coach and Quarterback
Maintaining Connections and Coaching Aspirations
Though suspended, Bridgewater is considering attending Northwestern games as a fan, willing to make the four-hour drive from Tampa when the schedule permits. His desire to eventually return as head coach at the school remains strong, reflecting on his journey from a high school star in Miami to a collegiate standout at Louisville, followed by a varied NFL career.
Initially, Bridgewater believed his retirement announced after the 2023 season would be definitive. He embraced the coaching role enthusiastically, yet maintained his fitness and skill by participating in spring games and staying engaged with professional contacts, including Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell. He recognized that a football comeback could fuel his passion and serve as inspiration for young athletes.
Bridgewater elaborated on his motivation for returning to play:
I always see it as motivation for the kids to know that you can do whatever you put your mind to,
he said.
As long as you build those healthy relationships, continue to train, work hard year-round, opportunities are going to come.
—Teddy Bridgewater, Head Coach and Quarterback
Role with Tampa Bay and Support for Fellow Quarterbacks
The Buccaneers recruited Bridgewater for an experienced presence in their quarterback room, which includes Baker Mayfield, fresh off his best season. While Bridgewater is not expected to start, his NFL experience makes him a valuable resource for the team, particularly as a mentor to Mayfield.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles emphasized Bridgewater’s role:
Most good quarterbacks have another guy in there that’s a veteran, that’s pretty savvy, that understands the game and knows the game,
Bowles said.
And (Teddy) can help Baker out. Coaching helps (Baker) out, but there’s nothing like seeing it from a player’s standpoint, and (Teddy) can give that to Baker.
—Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach
At the recent joint practice, Bridgewater donned No. 16 and demonstrated he still possesses significant skill, taking snaps impressively while Mayfield sat out the session. This appearance marks his first extended action in some time and offers him a platform to prove his readiness.
Seeking a Balance Between Playing and Coaching
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Bridgewater has no intention of becoming a career journeyman quarterback. Instead, he hopes to blend coaching and playing, leading high school football during the fall before seeking NFL roles later in the year. After his Detroit stint, Bridgewater received interest from NFL teams but chose to delay his decisions until Northwestern’s season concludes.
When asked if he favors coaching over playing, despite the disparity in financial compensation, Bridgewater offered a candid perspective:
Yeah, I can make a ton of money playing football and coaching high school ball, I get nothing,
he said.
But it’s not even about the money. It’s about giving those kids a building block to go out into the real world and be productive.
—Teddy Bridgewater, Head Coach and Quarterback
Future Outlook Amid Challenges
Bridgewater’s unique situation highlights the challenges faced by athletes transitioning from professional sports to other careers. His passion for mentoring young players contrasts with the financial realities of high school coaching. Meanwhile, his NFL return remains a work in progress, influenced not only by incidents off the field but also by his dedication to both coaching and playing.
As the investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association continues, Bridgewater is focused on resolving the issues swiftly to reunite with his players. His NFL future with Tampa Bay appears promising as he aims to contribute both on and off the field, blending experience and leadership in a quarterback room that values his veteran insight. The next months will reveal whether he can maintain this dual path or focus solely on one pursuit.