Former Panthers QB Bridgewater Plans NFL Return After Coaching Suspension

Teddy Bridgewater, the former Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions quarterback, is planning a return to the NFL for the 2025 season after stepping down from his head coaching role at Miami Northwestern High School due to a suspension over impermissible benefits to players. Bridgewater, who was a first-round pick in 2014 and has played for multiple NFL teams including the Vikings, Saints, Broncos, Dolphins, Panthers, and Lions, had a successful coaching stint leading Miami Northwestern to a state championship but left amid controversy involving payments for meals, Uber rides, and other benefits. Despite retiring after the 2023 NFL season, Bridgewater rejoined the Lions late that year as a backup and briefly appeared in their playoff game. At 32 years old, with over 15,000 career passing yards and a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, he remains a viable option for NFL teams seeking experienced quarterback depth. His familiarity with Detroit’s offense and leadership qualities also make him a potential candidate for a backup role there or elsewhere. Bridgewater’s future positioning on NFL depth charts is still uncertain, but his departure from coaching and suspension have accelerated his NFL comeback plans.