New Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater met with the media this week for the first time since rejoining the NFL—and addressed the controversy surrounding his recent suspension from Miami Northwestern, where he had been serving as head football coach.
Bridgewater, 32, was suspended in mid-July over allegations that he provided “impermissible benefits” to players during his time coaching at the Miami high school powerhouse. The former Pro Bowl quarterback confirmed the suspension in a Facebook post that has since been deleted.
“The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you,” Bridgewater wrote. “So if I’m suspended from MNW I’m free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE. 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.”
In that same post, Bridgewater shared that he had self-reported the support he provided—paying for rides, meals, and recovery services for his players—because he felt a responsibility to look after them.
“I think everyone knows that I’m just a cheerful guy, a cheerful giver as well,” Bridgewater said Wednesday. “I’m a protector and 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.”
Bridgewater further explained the reasoning behind his actions, especially in a neighborhood like Miami Northwestern’s.
“Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood,” he said. “Sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that. So, I just tried to protect them, give them a ride home instead of having to take those dangerous walks. But I just want people to continue to see me for the person that I’ve been. From the time I arrived in the NFL from the time that I arrived at the University of Louisville. Just a humble guy who has a big heart and a cheerful giver.”
The situation took an emotional toll on Bridgewater, who built close relationships with his players and led the team to a Class 3A state championship in his first year as head coach in 2024.
“It was difficult,” he admitted. “I have so many relationships with those young men down there in South Florida at Miami Northwestern, and the bonds that I’ve established… It’s a great group of kids and they see so much hope when they look at me.”
Despite the controversy, Bridgewater sees his NFL return as a chance to continue inspiring the next generation of players.
“I think now that I’m back in the league, it’s actually going to be extra motivation for them as well because they’ll get to play a game on a Friday night and probably get to drive across the state and come watch the Bucs play and see coach on the sidelines,” he said.
The South Florida native has played for six teams over a nine-year span—including the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, Dolphins, and Lions. He owns a career 33–32 record, 15,120 passing yards, and 75 touchdowns, with a Pro Bowl nod following an 11-5 season with Minnesota in 2015.
Now back on the field with the Buccaneers, Bridgewater remains focused on moving forward.
“When life throws you different obstacles, you just gotta put your hard hat on and keep pressing on,” he said.
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