Former Saints QB Ends Retirement to Join Super Bowl Contender
Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is making a surprise return to the NFL, signing with the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The 32-year-old, who retired following the 2023 season, reenters the league with the Lions, a team currently leading the NFC playoff race with a 13-2 record.
Bridgewater had recently found success off the field, coaching his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, to a state championship this fall. After that achievement, he expressed interest in resuming his NFL career—a plan that has now materialized.
A 10-year NFL veteran, Bridgewater was originally selected 32nd overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He quickly made an impact, leading the Vikings to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth in his second season. However, a devastating knee injury during the 2016 preseason sidelined him for nearly two years.
Bridgewater’s resilience saw him return as a backup for the Vikings in 2017 before moving to the New York Jets in 2018. After a strong preseason, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints, where he backed up Drew Brees. Notably, in 2019, Bridgewater filled in for an injured Brees, leading the Saints to a 5-0 record with a stellar performance.
After leaving New Orleans, Bridgewater had starting stints with the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos, and backup roles with the Miami Dolphins and Lions. Over his career, he has completed 66.4% of his passes for 15,120 yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions, with a 33-32 regular-season starting record.
Bridgewater now rejoins a potent Lions offense led by Jared Goff, which ranks second in total yardage and first in points scored. As Detroit eyes a deep playoff run, Bridgewater’s experience and leadership could prove invaluable in their quest for a Super Bowl title.
Leave a Reply