Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater announced that he has ended his coaching role with his former high school team in Miami. In a social media post, the 32-year-old shared his experience with Miami North Western High School, stating he will no longer be involved in coaching there but will continue to support the team as a volunteer from the bleachers, as he did in 2018 and 2019. Attempts to contact the school administration were unsuccessful.
Last fall marked Bridgewater’s first season coaching at previous schools, during which he led the team to the Class 3A State Championship before signing with Detroit Lions in late December to serve as a backup quarterback. He played only once in the postseason, completing a three-yard pass in a playoff loss to Washington.
Bridgewater mentioned in an earlier post that he personally covered the costs for player transportation, meals, and treatments last season. This year, he sought donations to help with these expenses and reported these payments to the school. Selected 32nd overall by Minnesota in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Bridgewater has appeared in 79 regular-season NFL games over ten seasons with six teams: Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Dolphins, Broncos, and Lions.
Fan Take: This update highlights the challenges former players like Bridgewater face when transitioning to coaching roles at the grassroots level, emphasizing the financial and administrative hurdles that come with supporting young athletes. For NFL fans, it underscores the importance of community support in developing future talent and the ongoing connection former pros can maintain with the sport beyond their playing days.
