Former first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, Teddy Bridgewater. From the University of Louisville, originally from Miami Florida. Has announced retirement following the Detroit Lions loss in the NFC Championship. “And I’m still with that mindset every day, and I’m just really appreciative that I’m in Year 10. I tell everyone this is my last year, so I’m in my final year and I’m just enjoying it all, man.” Bridgewater added per ESPN.
Bridgewater was a starter in his first two seasons with the Vikings. Bridgewater played three seasons with the Vikings, two seasons with the Saints, one year with the Panthers, one year with the Broncos, one year with the Dolphins, and lastly one year with the Lions.
“I am going to miss seeing him around the NFL world, and the positivity and joy he brought to the teams he was on,” said Sophomore Grayson Schwalbach.
Bridgewater’s journey through the NFL was rocky, to say the least. Bridgewater was only able to play in more than half of the games in a single season in 4/9 of the seasons he played. Bridgewater’s journey consisted of four concussions (three grade ones), a left dislocated wrist as well as a dislocated left finger. Left shin bruise, a torn ACL grade three as well as a torn MCL grade three, and finally two ankle sprains/pull. “He could have been so great without the injuries he had to face, they really ruined him,” Schwalbach added.
Even though his career was rocky, Bridgewater still had a successful run. Bridgewater was a one-time pro bowler, first-team rookie, and won the 2020 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, awarded since 2014, is given to the player “who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.” per the NFL.
Bridgewater has decided to take his football passion and knowledge to his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, where he will be the next head coach.