Teddy Bridgewater is planning on calling it a career following the 2023 campaign. In a conversation with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the veteran quarterback revealed that he plans to retire following the season.
Bridgewater admitted that he almost retired following a difficult 2022 campaign, but Dan Campbell convinced him to come to Detroit and serve as Jared Goff‘s backup. When the season ends, the former first-round pick intends to transition to high school coaching, with an eye on his alma matter, Miami Northwestern.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Bridgewater told Birkett. “Injuries, highs, lows, the success, the failures. It all, it builds character, and that’s what it did for me. Like I never look like, ‘Oh man, what if?’ Nah. Whatever was meant for me, it played out the exact way it was meant. And I’m still with that mindset every day and I’m just really appreciative that I’m in Year 10, I tell everyone this is my last year, so I’m in my final year and I’m just enjoying it all, man.”
Bridgewater entered the NFL as a first-round pick by the Vikings in 2014. The QB earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015 after guiding his team to an 11-5 record. He suffered a career-altering knee injury during training camp in 2016. He returned late in the 2017 campaign and has spent the past six years with six different teams.
The veteran struggled with injuries during his 2022 season in Miami, leading to him considering retirement. However, he had a number of connections to Detroit that forced him to reconsider. Campbell was in New Orleans when Bridgewater served as the Saints backup quarterback, so the Lions brass understood the value of a high-end QB2. Plus, as Birkett points out, the Lions considered acquiring Bridgewater and the No. 8 pick for Matthew Stafford before dealing the QB to the Rams for Goff and picks.
Bridgewater has only seen time on three offensive snaps in 2023, but his impact has gone beyond the playing field. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the veteran has been a positive influence on young offensive players like Jameson Williams and Hendon Hooker, and the Lions “have been pleased with his behind-scenes work.” The front office was also of the understanding that it’d be a short-term stop in Detroit for Bridgewater.
If Bridgewater doesn’t get into another game this season, he’ll finish his career having completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 15,120 yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. He went 33-32 in his 65 career starts.
Good for him!
seems like an awesome guy
wish him well
I liked him. If not for the injuries, he could have a really good career, probably not HOF worthy, but definitely admirable. He showed a lot when he came in as a backup and played. He was always prepared.
Amazing he returned after that knee injury.
Wish him the best. Some people are luckier than others
I wish him all the best. Even with the bad luck injuries, decent career.
Would love for the lions last game not to matter so he can get one last game
Going out with class. Best to you in the future, Teddy.
Interesting to think what he might have done in his career had he not had that devastating injury.
I’ve always thought he was a good QB and respected the way he carried himself.
I hope he comes back. Always rooted for him. If not, he would make a great coach.
The NFL needs more Teddy Bridgewaters. Best of luck in the future. The kids will be lucky to have him.
Good for him, glad he hasn’t sustained any concussions this season.
His knee injury was very , very bad. Hope his later years in life are as pain free as possible. He was a fan favorite here in MN. Wish him the best.