Sean Payton Compares Teddy Bridgewater to Ferris Bueller After NFL Retirement

Following Teddy Bridgewater's retirement at the end of the season, one of his former coaches compared him to an iconic movie character.

Per Pro Football Talk's Peter King, Sean Payton, who coached Bridgewater for two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, had tremendous praise for Bridgewater, complimenting his leadership ability despite being a backup quarterback for most of his career. His compliments came with a high comparison.

"Those kids have no idea how lucky they are," Payton said. "One of my favorite players ever. And one of the best leaders I've been around. He's like Ferris Bueller—everyone just followed him. He'll do a phenomenal job."

Bridgewater, who served as the Detroit Lions backup quarterback this season, is retiring after nine seasons in the league. At just 32 years old, Bridgewater likely could have stuck around for a few more years, but instead is going back to Miami to coach at his alma mater, Northwestern High School.

Bridgewater had just a handful of seasons where he was a regular starter, with the last one coming in 2021. Despite being the backup, he was a leader on all of his teams, with Payton's words proving that to be true.

Now, Bridgewater will look to lead his former high school as the team's head coach.