NFL quarterback and high school football coach Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from the latter position over allegations of impermissible gifts to student athletes.
Bridgewater, 32, won a Class 3A state title at Florida powerhouse Miami Northwestern last season before returning to the NFL as a Detroit Lions backup and making a brief appearance in the team’s playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
He claims the infraction is being ‘self reported’ by Miami Northwest, which happens to be the 2014 first-round pick’s former high school.
‘The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you,’ he wrote. ‘So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.
‘And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem.’
Bridgewater recently posted about providing Uber rides to players and asked supporters of the program for donations to offset his out-of-pocket costs.
NFL quarterback and high school football coach Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from the latter position over allegations of impermissible gifts to student athletes
Bridgewater admitted to the suspension online, claiming he and the school ‘self reported’
Bridgewater first raised eyebrows when he admitted to spending thousands to help players
‘Today I’m coming to you on behalf of the football team and seeking donations to assist our boys this season and to help me carry the load so I no longer have to take from my personal funds to keep smiles on these young men face and remind them that they matter,’ he wrote online.
‘From daily uber rides, to feeding the boys MLK ($1500 a week) every morning following our morning training sessions to feeding the boys catered pasta during the season, to pride sets, to training camp – I cover ALL THE EXPENSES.’
The Florida High School Athletic Association told Rivals.com it is gathering more information.
It’s unclear how long Bridgewater will be suspended. School spokespeople did not immediately respond to Daily Mail’s request for comment.
Bridgewater has earned $64 million over 10 NFL seasons.
He retired after serving as Jared Goff’s backup in Detroit after the 2023 season only to make a mid-season return in 2024 after winning a state title in Florida in his first season coaching at the high-school level.
Bridgewater made a brief appearance in the Divisional Round loss to Washington when Goff was being checked for a concussion. He has a 33-32 record as a starter with 15,120 passing yards and 75 touchdowns. His best season came in 2015 when he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
He is no longer listed on the Lions roster and is currently described as ‘inactive’ on the NFL Players Association website.