Teddy Bridgewater stood by his decisions as head football coach of Miami Northwestern High School, leading to his suspension after winning a state championship. Speaking to the media after signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bridgewater explained his actions that led to his suspension last month.
Miami Northwestern’s Teddy Bridgewater raises the state trophy following the team’s win over Raines in the Class 3A championship on Dec. 14, 2024.
“Honestly, I think everyone knows that I’m just a cheerful guy, a cheerful giver as well. I’m a protector. I’m a father first before anything,” he began.
“When I decided to coach, those players became my sons and I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can. I think that’s what came about.”
Bridgewater was suspended last month for providing players with financial benefits. In a Facebook post, he explained that he funded uber rides, meal costs, and physical therapy treatment for the team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (16) goes thru a drill during the Training Camp work out on August 6, 2025, at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida.
Bridgewater was later suspended, a decision that came months after he led the school to a Class 3A state championship in the fall.
“Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood, and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that. So, I just tried to protect them, give them a ride home instead of them having to take those dangerous walks. I just want people to continue to see me for the person that I’ve been from the time I arrived in the NFL, from the time that I arrived at the University of Louisville – just a humble guy who has a big heart and a cheerful giver.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles, Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Asst. General Manager Mike Greenberg and General Manager Jason Licht stand together as they all smile during the Training Camp workout on August 5, 2025, at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida.
Now that he’s back in the league after previously coming out of retirement to join the Detroit Lions in their playoff pursuit, Bridgewater said he hopes to serve as an inspiration to his players.
“He’s showing us that he can make it to the NFL, he’s showing us that he can coach, he’s showing us that there are different avenues of life that you can take, and I’m hoping that they’re taking notice of that.”
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