Former Lions QB pursuing NFL return after HS coaching suspension

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly looking to make an NFL comeback.

Bridgewater, 32, came out of retirement and re-signed with the Lions last December, becoming Jared Goff’s backup quarterback for the final stretch of the season.

Bridgewater was only called upon at the end of the year to throw one pass in Detroit’s Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders and hand off on a trick play that led to a 61-yard Jameson Williams touchdown.

However, it looked like Bridgewater was set to return to coaching Miami Northwestern High School, his alma mater, who he brought to a Class 3A state championship in his first season.

That prospect took a hit in July when Bridgewater was suspended for providing impermissible benefits to players.

He publicly stated in a July 7 Facebook post that he covered Uber rides, meals, and recovery services for his players the previous season.

Bridgewater confirmed that he self-reported the payments to the high school.

“The suspension came from MNW, and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you,” Bridgewater said on Facebook. “So if I’m suspended from MNW, I’m free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

“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 reportedly informed the players and parents at Miami Northwestern Monday afternoon that he would be going back to the NFL.

The 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Bridgewater has played 79 games in the NFL across 10 seasons and thrown for over 15,000 yards and 75 touchdowns in his career.