Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has made a major decision regarding his football future.
The veteran quarterback told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he intends to retire at the end of the 2023 season. Bridgewater admitted he had nearly retired prior to this season, but decided to come to Detroit in order to play one more season.
Bridgewater said he intends to go into high school football coaching upon his retirement, and he intends to return to his hometown of Miami.
Ultimately, Bridgewater’s career has to go down as a success. He came into the league in 2014 and quickly became the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, only for his career to be derailed by a devastating knee injury that caused him to miss nearly two full seasons. He resurfaced with the New Orleans Saints in 2018, and also spent time with the Panthers, Broncos, and Dolphins before ending his career with Detroit.
Bridgewater is only 31, but his choice is understandable given his history of concussions and other injuries. Still, he was clearly a valuable mentor that the Lions very much valued having around.