Two weeks after leading his high school alma mater to a state championship, Teddy Bridgewater is returning to the NFL.
The 32-year-old quarterback will rejoin the Detroit Lions, coach Dan Campbell confirmed Thursday.
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Currently, the Lions’ quarterback room is compromised of Jared Goff as Detroit’s undisputed starter, second-year player Hendon Hooker, and former fifth-rounder Jake Fromm on the practice squad.
Campbell outlined the Lions’ objectives for signing Bridgewater for the rest of the season.
“It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence, somebody that’s great for our team, he’s great for the position.,” Campbell said.
“Doesn’t mean we’re disappointed in [Hendon] Hooker. That’s not what this means. It just means this gives us somebody that’s played a lot in the NFL. It’ll be good to get him back in the fold with us.”
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Bridgewater’s return adds depth to the Lions’ quarterback room, which currently includes starter Jared Goff and promising young backup Hendon Hooker.
Campbell emphasized that Bridgewater’s signing does not reflect any dissatisfaction with Hooker’s development.
“This does not mean we’re disappointed in [Hendon] Hooker,”Campbell reiterated.
“That’s not what this means. It just means this gives us somebody that’s played a lot in the NFL.”
Bridgewater will return to coaching after this season
Bridgewater, a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, spent last season as Goff’s backup in Detroit.
He briefly retired from the NFL earlier this year to coach his high school alma mater, Miami Northwestern, leading them to a state championship.
“My team knows that’s the plan. We wanted to win a state championship and then coach goes back to the league, see what happens, and then come back February in the offseason, continue coaching high school football,”Bridgewater told NFL Network’s “The Insiders” last week.
Bridgewater brings valuable experience to the Lions, having played for multiple teams throughout his career.
He will provide veteran leadership and insurance for Goff as the team makes a playoff push in the final weeks of the season.
The Lions currently hold a 13-2 record and are poised for a deep playoff run.
Bridgewater’s return adds another layer of depth and experience to a team already brimming with talent.
