In a surprising turn of events, former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from his role as head football coach at Miami Northwestern High School. The suspension stems from allegations that Bridgewater provided impermissible benefits to his players, including covering expenses such as Uber rides, meals, and recovery services during the 2024 season. Bridgewater confirmed the suspension via a Facebook post, stating that he voluntarily reported the payments and does not consider himself officially employed by the school, which complicates the grounds for his suspension. (The Sun)
Bridgewater, 32, led the Miami Northwestern Bulls to a Class 3A state championship in his first season as head coach in 2024. He had previously retired from the NFL in 2023 after serving as the Detroit Lions’ backup quarterback but briefly returned to the league in 2024 without seeing game action. Following his suspension, Bridgewater expressed his commitment to the school, stating that he would continue to support the team in any capacity, even as a volunteer. (ESPN, Reuters, The Sun)
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is currently investigating the matter further. The suspension has sparked widespread support for Bridgewater on social media, with former NFL players and commentators praising his actions as supportive rather than harmful. (Midland Daily News, The Sun)
Bridgewater’s commitment to his players and his community remains steadfast, and he continues to hope for a resolution that will allow him to return to coaching in the future.