Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater is an active American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Theodore Edmond Bridgewater Jr. was born on November 10, 1992, in Miami, Florida, USA. The quarterback stands 188 cm tall, and plays at a listed weight of 96 kg.

He attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School in his hometown, where he established himself as a highly touted football prospect. Committing to the University of Louisville, Bridgewater played college football for the Cardinals from 2011 to 2013.

He steadily developed into one of the premier passing prospects in the nation, winning Big East Rookie of the Year in 2011 and Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2012. His collegiate career reached its peak when he led the Cardinals to a massive victory in the 2013 Sugar Bowl, finishing his final season as the NCAA completion percentage leader.

Professional Playing Career

Bridgewater was selected as the final first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

He immediately showcased his potential, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2014. During his second season, he led the Vikings to a division title and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Tragically, his promising trajectory was halted during the 2016 offseason when he suffered a severe, career-threatening leg injury during practice.

Overcoming massive odds, he remarkably returned to the field but only appeared in one game over the next two years.

Following his departure from Minnesota, Bridgewater embarked on a highly respected journeyman career. After a brief offseason stint with the New York Jets in 2018, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints.

In 2019, he stepped in for an injured Drew Brees, serving as the team's starting quarterback for five games and leading them to an undefeated record during that stretch, which ultimately contributed to a division title.

He parlayed his success in New Orleans into starting roles with the Carolina Panthers in 2020—where he won the prestigious Art Rooney Award for sportsmanship—and the Denver Broncos in 2021.

He subsequently transitioned into a veteran backup role, spending time with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Coaching Career and Return to the NFL

Following the 2023 season, Bridgewater was hired as the head football coach at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, for the 2024 season. He made the decision to return to the NFL as an active player, signing once again with the Detroit Lions for the 2026 season.

Career Highlights

• 2020 – Art Rooney Award
• 2015 – Pro Bowl
• 2014 – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year
• 2014 – PFWA All-Rookie Team
• 2013 – Second-Team All-AAC
• 2012 – Big East Offensive Player of the Year
• 2012 – First-Team All-Big East
• 2011 – Big East Rookie of the Year