Former NFL first-round pick caps off dominant state championship run two years after retiring
Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned to his high school this season and clinched a state championship as a coach. In his inaugural season at Miami Northwestern High, Bridgewater guided the Bulls to the Florida Class 3A state title, triumphing over Jacksonville Raines High with a commanding 41-0 victory in the championship match. The Bulls […]
Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returned to his high school this season and clinched a state championship as a coach. In his inaugural season at Miami Northwestern High, Bridgewater guided the Bulls to the Florida Class 3A state title, triumphing over Jacksonville Raines High with a commanding 41-0 victory in the championship match.
The Bulls finished their season with a record of 12-2, having outscored their five playoff opponents a staggering 262-12 combined.
Bridgewater attended the University of Louisville before playing in the NFL across six teams over nine seasons, totaling 15,120 passing yards and 75 touchdowns throughout his career.
Born and raised in Miami, he was the starting quarterback at Miami Northwestern from 2008 to 2010, during which he amassed over 5,000 passing yards and led the Bulls to the state finals in his sophomore year.
Bridgewater, who was born on November 10, 1992, is celebrated for his resilience, leadership, and consistent gameplay in professional football. His high school success propelled him to the University of Louisville, where he emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Over three seasons (2011–2013), he accumulated over 9,800 passing yards and 72 touchdowns, receiving honors like the Big East Offensive Player of the Year.
Bridgewater entered the 2014 NFL Draft and was picked 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. He displayed remarkable composure as a rookie, earning the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award. In his second season (2015), he helped the Vikings achieve an 11–5 record and a playoff spot, which also earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
However, his career took a significant hit in 2016 when he suffered a severe knee injury during practice, including a torn ACL and other structural damage, keeping him off the field for nearly two years and casting doubt on his future.
He made an inspiring return to the game, signing with the New York Jets in 2018 before being traded to the New Orleans Saints. Serving as a backup to Drew Brees, Bridgewater stepped up in the 2019 season and led the Saints to a perfect 5–0 record as a starter.
This success paved the way for a starting position with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, followed by stints with the Denver Broncos (2021) and Miami Dolphins (2022). Renowned for his accuracy, sound decision-making, and leadership, Bridgewater has established a respected career in the NFL, overcoming significant challenges to remain a reliable player.
He is widely admired for his perseverance and professionalism both on and off the field.