The Detroit Lions’ backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will see out the 2023 NFL season and then ride off into the sunset. The 31-year-old player revealed his intention to retire in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.
Bridgewater signed a one-year deal with the Lions in the offseason to back starter Jared Goff. He made an appearance in only one game in 2023, kneeling three times to close out the 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers.
According to Bridgewater, he thought about retiring after last season, but Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell convinced him to return for another run. And even if he didn’t get to play, Bridgewater says he doesn’t regret the decision.
“Whatever was meant for me, it played out the exact way it was meant,” Bridgewater said. “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.”
Teddy Bridgewater started his pro career as the last selection of the first round in 2014 by the Minnesota Vikings. He made a Pro Bowl in his sophomore year after leading the Vikings to an 11−5 record. However, a freak knee injury at team practice during the 2016 offseason halted his rise to stardom and caused him to miss almost two full seasons.
Bridgewater later resumed his career and had stints with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, he never returned to his pre-injury level, which likely played a role in retiring during what are considered prime years for quarterbacks.
Bridgewater revealed that he intends to stay involved in football and plans to coach a high school football team.
