Teddy Bridgewater Likely Retiring From NFL, Leaves Lions

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from the Detroit Lions, with head coach Dan Campbell confirming on Sunday that retirement is likely for the 33-year-old veteran. The move leaves the Lions with a significant gap in their quarterback depth chart behind starter Jared Goff, prompting the team to plan for an immediate addition of a veteran passer.

Campbell announced Bridgewater's departure to reporters, expressing deep respect for his former player. "I've known Teddy a long time, and man, the human being is unbelievable," Campbell said. "Certainly the player, everything that he's about, the type of teammate that he is, the way he prepares, always played the game up here [points to head] and had a huge heart. He's gonna be missed."

The decision marks the second time Bridgewater has retired from the NFL. He initially retired after the 2023 season to become the head football coach at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, his alma mater, where he led the team to a state championship. He rejoined the Lions late in the 2024 season and then signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2025 campaign, serving as Baker Mayfield's backup. Bridgewater returned to Detroit as a free...