CBS Sports: The former all-time favorite quarterback for the Lions declares an unexpected comeback to the NFL.

Before quitting the NFL to become a high school teacher, Teddy Bridgewater played his final season with the Detroit Lions, adding some veteran depth.

However, Bridgewater stated this week that he is prepared to return, so the NFL might still call him. The 32-year-old announced his plans on social media, stating that after his high school career is over, he is prepared to evaluate new roles.

“After we win this state championship, I have a ton of quarterbacking jobs available.” In a post on X, Bridgewater stated, “I am eager to rejoin the NFL.”

Bridgewater, Teddy All Set to Go Back
In his final NFL season in 2023, Bridgewater did not play for the Lions. Instead, he stayed behind veteran Jared Goff and helped youngster Hendon Hooker while he recovered from an ACL tear.

Bridgewater played 14 games for the Denver Broncos in 2021, his final season as a full-time starter. He completed 66.9% of his throws for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

During his nine-year NFL career, Bridgewater played for six different teams, accumulating 15,120 total yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions.

Veteran Returns to Detroit for Another Season
In December 2023, Bridgewater announced his retirement, telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that if it weren’t for Lions head coach Dan Campbell, he would have hung up his cleats before the season. In the years that followed, the two maintained their relationship while working together on the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and 2019, when Bridgewater was a backup and Campbell served as the tight ends coach and associate head coach.

According to Bridgewater, Campbell approached Detroit with the intention of joining the team to coach Hooker and wide receiver Jameson Williams, two of the team’s young players.

“I’m telling you, man, just by being here, you’ll have a huge impact on Hendon and Jamo’s lives,” Bridgewater recalled.

Yes, Dan, but I’ll also come here for those two guys. Hard Time (Alexander) and I are tight, but I constantly tell Hendon and Jamo that you are the reason I signed up here.

According to Bridgewater, Campbell persuaded him to return for one more season.

Bridgewater remarked, “I was really like content with being done.” “And not much really happened; I just felt good and could leave whenever I wanted to, and that was that.” However, once we had a lengthy conversation with Dan, it was like, “Man, okay, Dan, I understand you.”

Both Hooker and Williams shown improvement on the field, therefore the mentoring was generally successful. Jeff Risdon of USA Today made a suggestion that the Lions might consider rehiring Bridgewater in a mentoring capacity.

Risdon stated, “The Lions are extremely pleased with Hendon Hooker’s development as the No. 2 quarterback behind MVP contender Jared Goff.” “But perhaps Bridgewater would consider a comeback if the team is looking for a veteran to hold a clipboard and mentor Hooker in 2025?”