NFL veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater secures one-year contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking his return to the league
Teddy Bridgewater Returns to NFL After Suspension from Coaching Role
After a brief stint as a high school football coach, Teddy Bridgewater is making a comeback to the National Football League (NFL). The 32-year-old quarterback, who has played for eight different NFL teams, has signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The news of Bridgewater's return to the NFL was first reported by The Portal 305. His last stint in the league was with the Detroit Lions in late 2024, where he served as a backup quarterback during their playoff run.
Bridgewater's return to the NFL comes amid questions about his future in coaching. In July 2025, he was suspended from his coaching position at Miami Northwestern High School for providing impermissible benefits to his players. The infractions included paying for Uber rides, meals, recovery services, clothing, and expenses related to a preseason camp. These actions violated Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules.
Bridgewater addressed the issue on social media, stating that the program had self-reported. He explained that his motives were protective and caring, as many of his players lived in a tough neighborhood with safety concerns. He paid for transportation and other support to help them avoid dangerous situations and described his players as his "sons."
Despite the suspension, Bridgewater decided to return to the NFL. His desire to continue supporting his players by setting an example and providing hope and motivation in their lives played a significant role in his decision.
Bridgewater was a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. His most productive season was in 2020, where he started 15 games for the Carolina Panthers and threw for 3,733 yards. He brings experience to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback room, joining Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.
Before his coaching stint, Bridgewater played in the NFC South with the Saints and Panthers. His return to the division, now with the Buccaneers, marks a reunion of sorts for the veteran quarterback. With his extensive NFL experience and dedication to his players, Bridgewater is set to make a significant impact in Tampa Bay.
- Teddy Bridgewater's return to the National Football League (NFL) comes after a brief stint as a football coach at Miami Northwestern High School.
- Bridgewater's comeback is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team in the same NFC South division where he previously played.
- His NFL career includes stints with eight different teams, including the Detroit Lions where he served as a backup quarterback during their playoff run in late 2024.
- The news of Bridgewater's return was first reported by The Portal 305, following his suspension from his coaching position due to providing impermissible benefits to his players.
- Despite the suspension, Bridgewater decided to return to the NFL, citing his desire to continue supporting his players and setting an example for them.
