Bucs' Teddy Bridgewater Talks HS FB Suspension, Says He Was Trying to 'Protect' Kids

After returning to the NFL and signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater opened up about the harrowing end to his high school coaching tenure at his alma mater Miami Northwestern.

Bridgewater was suspended from his position as head coach after allegedly providing impermissible benefits to his players. He had self-reported in a social media post that he paid for Uber rides, meals and recovery services during the 2024 season in which he led Miami Northwestern to a Class 3A Florida High School Athletic Association state title.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bridgewater stood by his methods of supporting his players because he was simply trying to provide a safer environment for them.

"I'm a protector," Bridgewater said. "I'm a father first before anything, and when I decided to coach, those players became my sons, and I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can. I think that's what came about. Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood. Sometimes, things can happen when kids are walking home and things like that. I was just trying to protect them."

The 32-year-old is set for a backup role with the Bucs behind starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. He will bring a veteran presence to a quarterback room that also included 2024 seventh-round pick Michael Pratt, who is sidelined with a back injury.

While Bridgewater admitted that it wasn't easy to leave his head coaching position, he hopes to further inspire his players and the children in the community with his return to the NFL.

"It was difficult because I have so many relationships with those young men down there in South Florida at Miami Northwestern," he said. "... It's a great group of kids, and they see so much hope when they look at me. I always say that's food for my soul, it's a way that I feed my soul and allows me to stay young being around those kids. I think now that I'm back in the league, it's actually gonna be extra motivation for them as well."