Teddy Bridgewater is aiming for two championships this season.
After leading Miami Northwestern High School to a Florida state championship as head coach, the former first-round pick will come out of retirement and join the Lions for the remainder of the season.
Bridgewater, the backup to Jared Goff, was on the team last year but did not attempt a pass.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that he has been in contact with Bridgewater “for some time” and there is always the possibility of a reunion.
“It just brings a level of professionalism, a veteran presence and a great asset to our team. He's a great fit for this position,” Campbell said.
After winning the state title, Bridgewater told NFL Network that he is considering returning to the NFL to finish the season, but his main focus is his alma mater.
“Let's see how [the] I might sign with a team or something for a game in the next week and a half or two weeks.” Bridgewater said Then, in February, he returned to coaching high school football. So, let's take a look. ”
The Lions posted a message on social media congratulating Bridgewater on winning the high school state championship in his first year as head coach, and hinted at the possibility of bringing him back to the Midwest.
Still only 32 years old, Bridgewater once seemed on the path to stardom, but was plagued by repeated injuries throughout his career that ultimately limited his mobility and made him a first-round pick out of Louisville. He was less effective than expected as a designated player.
Bridgewater was given an opportunity to fill in for Tua Tagovailoa with the Dolphins in 2022, but it was a largely ineffective assignment.
He has played as a stopgap or backup backup for six different teams, including five teams in five years.
The Lions have been actively working to strengthen their roster while trying to secure the top seed in the NFC.
The Lions lost star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, running back David Montgomery, and starting linebackers Alex Anzalone and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
They look to supplement that talent by acquiring former Jets safety Jamal Adams in free agency and trading for edge rusher Za'Darius Smith.
