Teddy Bridgewater’s NFL playing career is far from done. The former NFL draft first-round choice has returned out of retirement to rejoin the Detroit Lions, his last professional squad before announcing his retirement in 2023.
Bridgewater’s NFL comeback is a good development for Detroit starting quarterback Jared Goff, who has nothing but praise for the former Louisville Cardinals star quarterback.
“He’s a valuable asset to our team, and I love having him in the quarterback room; he’s a pleasure to be around,” Goff told reporters on Thursday (via Eric Woodyard of ESPN). When discussing Bridgewater, Goff referred to him as “State Champ,” a reference to Bridgewater’s recent success as head coach of Miami Northwestern High School, which won the Florida state championship.
Bridgewater now has the chance to earn football’s most prestigious prize, the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Goff will remain the Lions’ starter under center, but Bridgewater adds some insurance to Detroit’s quarterback depth chart, which also includes former Tennessee Volunteers standout Hendon Hooker.
Bridgewater, who turned 32 in November, began his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and was named to the Pro Bowl the following year after racking up 3,231 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on a 65.3 percent completion rate.
Injuries have kept Bridgewater from achieving his full potential in the NFL, where he has played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins. Bridgewater’s appearance in one game for the Lions during the 2023 NFL season may not be remembered by many.
However, his experience with the Lions players and Dan Campbell’s system appears to be respected by Detroit, which has a 13-2 record heading into Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season. Detroit will face the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara this Sunday before finishing the regular season with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
Detroit’s offense is one of the finest in the league today. In fact, the Lions score 32.9 points per game, which leads the NFL overall. Detroit ranks second in total offense, averaging 408.6 yards from scrimmage per game.
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