Teddy Bridgewater is hoping his success as a high school head coach can translate back to the NFL, but not calling plays.
The one-time Pro Bowler is set to lace his cleats back up and rejoin the Detroit Lions as a backup quarterback.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the signing at a press conference on Thursday.
Bridgewater, 32, announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this year after a decade-long career spent between six different franchises. He became the head coach at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, his alma mater, and led them to a state title.
He last played for the Lions in the 2023 season, making one appearance without a passing attempt. His last start came with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
The former 2014 first-rounder spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, earning his first and only Pro Bowl nod in 2015 after leading the team to an 11-5 record with 3,231 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.
He has 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions over his 10 years in the league.
Bridgewater suffered a brutal injury during pre-season in 2016, dislocating his knee and tearing several ligaments, causing him to miss the entirety of the season.
The veteran signal-caller will bring experience to a Lions quarterback room that has Hendon Hooker, a second-year QB, backing up everyday starter and three-time Pro Bowler Jared Goff.
Detroit is 13-2 and sits atop the NFC North. The playoff-bound Lions are set to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday then will face the Vikings in a game that will potentially decide the division in Week 18.
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