Teddy Bridgewater comes out of retirement to join Detroit Lions as backup QB

Bridgewater ends his retirement after coaching high school football, signing with Detroit Lions as backup quarterback.

Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Detroit Lions after a successful stint as a high school coach. 

Bridgewater, who retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, took on the role of head coach for Miami Northwestern. Under his leadership, the team achieved an impressive 12-2 record and secured the FHSAA Class 3A Championship. However, after this success, Bridgewater revealed his desire to return to the NFL.

Somehow, Teddy Bridgewater is just 32 years old. Now back in the NFL. https://t.co/yD8YXO868p

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2024

The Detroit Lions, currently holding a 13-2 record and leading the NFC, are set to sign Bridgewater as a backup quarterback. While Jared Goff has been performing exceptionally well as the starter, the Lions are ensuring their depth at the position by bringing in Bridgewater, who is expected to take on the backup role behind Goff. Hendon Hooker, the current backup, may see Bridgewater step in for him.

This move provides a strong insurance policy for the Lions should Goff face injury, especially with their playoff aspirations on the line. Despite numerous defensive injuries, the Lions have battled through adversity this season. Bridgewater’s experience and leadership offer the team a solid safety net heading into the final stretch of the regular season, with key games against the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers ahead.