Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Teddy Bridgewater

Discover the career path of Teddy Bridgewater, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Teddy Bridgewater is an American professional football quarterback who played college football at Louisville, winning the 2013 Sugar Bowl. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the last pick of the first round in the 2014 NFL draft. In his second season, he led the Vikings to a division title and was selected for the Pro Bowl. A severe leg injury in 2016 significantly impacted his career, limiting his playing time for the next two years.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Starting Quarterback at Miami Northwestern

In 2007, as a sophomore, Teddy Bridgewater became the starting quarterback at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, replacing Jacory Harris.

2009: Vikings Last Division Title

In Week 17, Teddy Bridgewater helped the Vikings win their first division title since 2009.

June 2010: Committed to the University of Miami

In June 2010, Teddy Bridgewater originally committed to the University of Miami.

November 2010: Switched Commitment to Louisville

In November 2010, after the firing of Miami head coach Randy Shannon, Teddy Bridgewater switched his commitment to the University of Louisville.

2011: Starting Quarterback at Louisville

In 2011, Teddy Bridgewater became the starting quarterback for the Louisville Cardinals during his freshman year. He was also named Big East Rookie of the Year and a freshman All-American.

2011: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2011, Teddy Bridgewater played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

2012: Big East Offensive Player of the Year

In 2012, Teddy Bridgewater was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

April 2013: Top Prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft

As early as April 2013, Teddy Bridgewater was seen as one of the top prospects for the 2014 NFL draft.

2013: Sugar Bowl Victory

In 2013, Teddy Bridgewater won the Sugar Bowl while playing college football for the Louisville Cardinals.

2013: Russell Athletic Bowl MVP

In 2013, during his final college game in the Russell Athletic Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes, Teddy Bridgewater was named the game's MVP.

January 1, 2014: Declared for the 2014 NFL Draft

On January 1, 2014, Teddy Bridgewater announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility at Louisville and enter the NFL draft.

September 21, 2014: NFL Debut

On September 21, 2014, Teddy Bridgewater made his NFL debut for the Minnesota Vikings against the New Orleans Saints, entering the game in relief of the injured Matt Cassel.

September 28, 2014: First NFL Start

On September 28, 2014, Teddy Bridgewater made his first NFL start against the Atlanta Falcons, winning the game. He passed for 317 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown.

2014: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

In 2014, Teddy Bridgewater was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the final first-round pick in the NFL draft.

2014: NFL All-Rookie Team and Pepsi Rookie of the Year

In 2014, Teddy Bridgewater was selected for the NFL All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America and won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year award.

January 13, 2015: Named to NFL All-Rookie Team

On January 13, 2015, Teddy Bridgewater was selected as the quarterback of the 2014 NFL All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.

2015: First Game Since 2015 with Multiple Touchdown Passes

Due to Brees's injury, Bridgewater was named the starting quarterback for Week 3. In that game, Bridgewater completed 19 of 27 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns as the Saints defeated the Seahawks on the road by a score of 33–27. This was the first game where Bridgewater threw for more than one touchdown in a game since Week 15 of the 2015 season.

2015: First Start Since 2015

On December 28, Teddy Bridgewater made his first start since 2015 against the Carolina Panthers.

January 25, 2016: Named to First Pro Bowl

On January 25, 2016, Teddy Bridgewater was named to his first Pro Bowl.

August 30, 2016: Suffered a Severe Leg Injury

On August 30, 2016, Teddy Bridgewater suffered a severe, non-contact leg injury during a team practice, causing him to miss the entire 2016 season.

May 1, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Declined

On May 1, 2017, the Vikings declined the fifth-year option on Teddy Bridgewater's contract, making him a free agent after the 2017 season.

2017: Vikings traded for Sam Bradford after losing Bridgewater

After the loss of Bridgewater for at least the 2016 season, the Vikings traded a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Sam Bradford.

March 18, 2018: Signed with the New York Jets

On March 18, 2018, Teddy Bridgewater signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets.

August 29, 2018: Traded to the Saints

On August 29, 2018, Teddy Bridgewater was traded by the Jets to the New Orleans Saints.

2018: Vikings traded for Sam Bradford after losing Bridgewater

2018: Joined the New Orleans Saints

In 2018, Teddy Bridgewater joined the New Orleans Saints as a backup quarterback.

March 15, 2019: Signed Contract with Saints

On March 15, 2019, Teddy Bridgewater signed a one-year contract with the Saints.

2019: Traded to the Saints

On August 29, 2018, the Jets traded Bridgewater and a 2019 sixth-round draft pick to the Saints for a 2019 third-round draft pick.

March 26, 2020: Signed with the Panthers

On March 26, 2020, Teddy Bridgewater signed a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.

2020: Career-High Season

In 2020, Teddy Bridgewater achieved career-high statistics in completions (340), passing yards (3,733), touchdowns (15), and rushing yards (279).

April 28, 2021: Trade to the Broncos

On April 28, 2021, Teddy Bridgewater was traded to the Broncos from the Panthers for a 2021 sixth-round pick, following the Panthers' acquisition of Sam Darnold. He competed with Drew Lock for the starting quarterback position and eventually won the job.

2021: Broncos Season

In the 2021 season, Teddy Bridgewater recorded 3,052 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, along with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

January 5, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On January 5, 2022, Teddy Bridgewater was placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion during Week 15, ending his season.

March 17, 2022: Signed with the Dolphins

On March 17, 2022, Teddy Bridgewater signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, potentially earning up to $10 million.

August 10, 2023: Signed with the Lions

On August 10, 2023, Teddy Bridgewater signed with the Lions, reuniting with Dan Campbell, who was his assistant head coach during his time with the Saints.

December 16, 2023: Announced Retirement Plans

On December 16, 2023, Teddy Bridgewater announced his plans to retire from the NFL at the end of the season and transition into coaching high school football.

2023: Confirmed Retirement and Became Head Coach

After the Lions' 2023 season ended, Teddy Bridgewater confirmed his retirement from playing. Soon after, he was named the head coach for Miami Northwestern High School. In his first season, Bridgewater and Miami Northwestern won the Class 3A Florida High School Athletic Association state title.