Lions bringing back quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for playoff push

Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News on Dec 26, 2024

Published in Football

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DETROIT — The Detroit Lions are bringing back a familiar face to their quarterback room, signing Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the news Thursday, saying he's been in contact with Bridgewater "for a while. It was always a ... possibility." Bridgewater officially signed his deal prior to Thursday's practice. He was spotted wearing jersey No. 12.

"It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence, somebody that's great for our team, that's great for the position," Campbell said.

Bridgewater, who played nine NFL seasons, retired after playing one season with the Detroit Lions in 2023. He served as quarterback Jared Goff's backup but did not appear in a game outside of end-of-game kneel-downs.

Following the end of last season, Bridgewater, 32, retired from the NFL and took over as head coach of his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School. He recently won a Class 3A Florida state championship with the program; his team outscored opponents 262-12 in five postseason games.

The Lions initially signed Bridgewater during training camp of the 2023 season. He has been credited with having a significant impact on the team's younger players, including wide receiver Jameson Williams and quarterback Hendon Hooker.

"I think it's great for our team. I think everybody in that locker room respects Teddy, what he stands for, and the type of human being that he is, but also the type of player," Campbell said.

Campbell reiterated several times that the signing of Bridgewater is not an indictment on the play of Hooker. Rather, it's just an extra level of protection for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations. Campbell said he has a "tremendous amount of trust" in Bridgewater.

"(This) doesn't mean we're disappointed in Hooker; that's not what this means. It just means this gives us a guy, somebody that's played a lot in the NFL. ... I understand what this looks like, but it's just a different world we're getting ready to walk into," Campbell said. 'I just felt like this was the right thing to do."

With the Lions set to play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, it's worth noting that San Francisco provided a textbook example of why a team can never have too much insurance — especially at quarterback. The 49ers lost two quarterbacks, Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson, and were forced to play the rest of the game with running back Christian McCaffrey at quarterback in a 31-7 loss.

"Now you don't have to be concerned with that," Campbell said. "You can get the guy to the game that you want, and if something happens, you've got your third ready to roll."

Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell said Hooker has continued to develop at a pace the coaching staff is satisfied with.

"Each week, he gets better and he really is. His mechanics, his fundamentals, understanding the defenses that he’s presented with and his preparation, his work ethic, I can’t say enough about him," Brunell said. "He’s been great and he truly is getting better.”

Bridgewater, a first-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2014 NFL draft, has taken snaps for six NFL teams. He has amassed 15,120 yards passing and 75 touchdowns with a career passer rating of 90.5.

Brunell said Bridgewater brings a unique energy and professionalism to the quarterback room.

"He helped us tremendously last year. Great teammate, professional experience, you name it. Great resource for Jared and the other QBs ... he is a professional, he works hard, he prepares as if he's the starter, and that's what you want," Brunell said.

"He's just great to be around. He's got some great stories and he just brightens up that room quite a bit and adds some experience. We love having him around."