Journeyman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is returning to the NFL — again.
The former high school football coach signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday.
The former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings originally retired after the 2023 season and started coaching football at Miami Northwestern High School, his alma mater. Bridgewater led the team to a state championship in his first season as a coach.
He then resumed his playing career to join the Detroit Lions as a backup to Jared Goff during last season’s playoff run. The 32-year-old planned to return to Miami Northwestern this year but was suspended over player benefits.
On July 7, a post from Bridgewater went viral after he said he covered Uber rides, meals and injury recovery programs for his players last season. The Florida native said he was spending $1,500 per week on the high school athletes. He solicited donations to help cover the costs.
Bridgewater originally said the suspension wouldn’t change his plans for the upcoming season.
“The suspension came from [Miami Northwestern], and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you. So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE,” he posted on Facebook last month. “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.”
The Buccaneers are the eighth team in 12 seasons for Bridgewater.
Bridgewater, a first-round pick by Minnesota in 2014, is 33-32 as a starter and made the Pro Bowl after his second season when he led the Vikings to an 11-5 record. He also spent time with the Jets, Saints, Panthers, Broncos and Dolphins.
Bridgewater has completed 66.4% of his passes for 15,120 yards, 75 touchdowns, 47 interceptions and a 90.5 passer rating.
It’s not clear if Bridgewater plans to return to coaching while playing for the Bucs.
This article is based in part on wire service reports.