Detroit Lions backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spent much of the 2024 season coaching Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Florida to a state championship, checked into the NFC divisional round playoff game Saturday and promptly led the Lions on a scoring drive.
Starter Jared Goff was evaluated for a concussion in the second quarter after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown, meaning Bridgewater, who signed with Detroit last month after coaching his alma mater to the state title, needed to take the field against the Washington Commanders.
Bridgewater completed his lone pass attempt on the three-play, 73-yard drive that pulled the Lions to within three points of the Commanders, 24-21. Bridgewater handed the ball off to Jameson Williams, who broke free and ran for 61 yards and the score. Kicker Jake Bates then made the extra point, and Goff eventually returned.
WAYMO GONE‼️#WASvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/EdaJYmuHHt
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 19, 2025
Before Saturday, Bridgewater last played in the NFL for the Lions in 2023. He retired after the 2023 season following a decade in the league that saw him play for six teams. The No. 32 pick in the 2014 draft, Bridgewater began his career with the Minnesota Vikings before stints with the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and Lions.
He started 65 of the 79 games he appeared in before this season, throwing for 15,120 yards and 75 touchdowns against 47 interceptions.
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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
