By all accounts, NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a stand-up guy on and off the field. He may not always make the headlines, but over the years, coaches and teammates have praised the 32-year-old's work ethic, his commitment to his team, his leadership skills, and his humble attitude.
The father of two sons is also committed to helping people in the disadvantaged Miami community where he grew up with his siblings and their single mom. As a matter of fact, in 2023, he officially retired from playing professional ball and took a job coaching the football team at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School.
Miami Northwestern High School is located in Liberty City, a neighborhood that has seen its fair share of crime in the past. Many of the students who attend the school — at least 75% —are at an economic disadvantage, as well, and 72% qualify for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Act.
In his first year as head coach, Bridgewater led the team to the Class 3A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state title. In other words, things seemed to be going well until last month when the school suspended Bridgewater from the position, claiming that he provided the players with "impermissible benefits."
Bridgewater has since resigned from the job, and earlier this week, he signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had the opportunity to speak out on what really happened that led to his suspension. It's actually kind of heartbreaking.
When I decided to coach, you know, those players became my sons, and I wanted to make sure that I just protected them in the best way that I can. I think that's what came about... minding my blessings in a tough neighborhood and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that.
So, I just try to protect them, give them a ride home instead of having to take those dangerous walks 'cause I have so many relationships with those young men down there in South Florida.
It's a great group of kids, man, and they see so much hope when they look at me. I think now that I'm back in the league, it's actually going to be extra motivation for them as well and see coach on the sidelines, so it's like, man, coach is just continuing to just serve as motivation and continue to influence us in every way possible.
He added:
I can't change who I am because of the rules. I have a big heart; I get it from my mom. I was once those kids. I know what it's like to be in their shoes. I know what it's like to walk those halls at Miami Northwestern and to have your stomach growling and rumbling at 12 o'clock in the afternoon because you didn't have any lunch money or you don't get the free lunch. So I can't change who I am.
Bridgewater was paying for Uber rides for the kids so they wouldn't have to walk home after practice through crime-ridden areas. He was buying food for them so that they weren't hungry all day and playing a grueling sport without proper nutrition. He was paying to keep the field painted with the right lines and numbers so the kids understood how to play the game. He was buying them matching clothing so they looked and felt like a team. He even paid $14,000 to run a training camp and registration fees for all football players and cheerleaders to participate in the same youth programs he had access to as a child.
He did it all out of his own pocket. In early July, he made a Facebook post, asking if anyone who followed him would be willing to make donations to help cover the costs. A week later, he was suspended, and the FHSAA launched an investigation.
I suppose the rules are the rules, but he wasn't doing anything super flashy. He wasn't buying them cars and jewelry. He wasn't providing them with anything illegal. He was giving these kids something they never would have otherwise. He was giving them a chance.
Even though Bridgewater is no longer directly involved with the school, he says he's built relationships with these boys and will continue to cheer them on from the bleachers.
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