The end of a football journey.
Former New York Jets quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is retiring from the NFL.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Bridgewater is going to “step away” and “he is going to be missed.”
ESPN and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Bridgewater “informed the team that he plans to step away from the team, with retirement likely. At age 33, Bridgewater was set to be Detroit’s backup. Now, they’ll work out a few QBs.”
This is the second time that Bridgewater has retired from the NFL. Campbell told the local Lions media that “he believes this time his retirement is likely to stick.”
Bridgewater signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract this offseason that included $1.58 million in guaranteed money.
Incredible Football Path That Featured a Stint With the Jets
The former Louisville product was the No. 32 overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.
He spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. During his tenure with the Purple People Eaters, Bridgewater suffered a devastating leg injury in 2016. The non-contact injury during practice resulted in a torn ACL, a knee dislocation, and other structural damage.
The injury was so severe that it threatened his football career. However, after getting some time to heal, he got a chance to make a comeback with the Jets in 2018. He signed a one-year deal with a maximum value of $15 million that included incentives.
After spending five-plus months with the Jets during that offseason, Bridgewater proved that he was healthy enough to continue his career.
The Jets traded Bridgewater and a 2019 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for a 2019 third-round pick in August of 2018.
The Jets Saved His Career
While it may seem like a five-month tenure with the Jets was relatively insignificant to Bridgewater’s overall career, you’d be wrong.
“Honestly every game is the same because I respect the game and all of my opponents. I spent OTAs and a training camp with the Jets. I look at it like they helped save my career. You know when I signed with the Jets it was really like on a try-out basis almost. Todd Bowles and the trainer helped me get back to my old self health-wise. Bowles’ charisma and energy helped me get that confidence back in myself. Then when they traded me it was like hey everything happens for a reason. I understand the nature of the business so I don’t take anything personal,” Bridgewater said in October of 2022.
This is a developing story and we’ll provide new details as they become available.
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