Here’s a fascinating story that you don’t hear every day. A few weeks ago, former Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater took on a unique role by coaching his old high school team to a Florida state championship. It was an inspiring moment for the quarterback, known for his leadership and calm under pressure, to return to his roots and help guide young athletes to the pinnacle of high school football. But what happened next was even more surprising: Bridgewater appeared on the NFL’s Insiders show and dropped a bombshell announcement—he plans to come out of retirement and sign with an NFL team soon. Fast forward, and we now know that Bridgewater is indeed rejoining the Lions.

Bridgewater’s return to Detroit is a significant development for the team, especially considering how important his presence was in 2023. During that season, he didn’t just play the role of a backup quarterback; he took on more of a player-coach hybrid role, mentoring some of the Lions’ younger players. Quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receiver Jameson Williams, among others, credited Bridgewater with being a key figure in their development. Bridgewater’s ability to guide and teach these players, combined with his vast experience in the NFL, made him an invaluable asset to the team. Now, with his official return to the Lions, that growth and mentorship can continue, adding even more depth to an already talented roster.

As of now, it remains unclear whether Bridgewater will be added to the 53-man roster or if he will occupy one of the available practice squad spots. However, what is clear is that the Lions, during the offseason, evaluated Hendon Hooker and felt that the young quarterback wasn’t quite ready to step into a significant role just yet. This makes Bridgewater’s return even more critical, as he offers the team a reliable and seasoned backup quarterback who can step in and lead if needed. His experience and poise in high-pressure situations could be just what the Lions need to solidify their quarterback depth, especially if they need someone to guide them through tough games.

But it’s not just his on-field capabilities that make Bridgewater a valuable asset to the Lions—his coaching instincts are what might keep him in Detroit for the long term. In fact, his future with the Lions could extend beyond playing. Recently, we’ve seen a number of former Lions players transition into coaching roles. For instance, Shaun Dion Hamilton retired from playing and immediately took up a coaching job with the team, as did David Blough, who retired and joined the Washington Commanders as a coach. Bridgewater could very well follow in their footsteps, transitioning into a coaching role with the Lions’ staff in the near future.

Bridgewater’s coaching potential has been evident for some time. He has always been the type of player who leads by example, with an ability to break down complex quarterback techniques and help younger players understand the game better. His transition into coaching seems like a natural progression for someone who has already had such a profound impact off the field. With the Lions’ success under head coach Dan Campbell, the team has developed a strong coaching tree, one that continues to grow. Bridgewater could very well be the next branch of that tree, bringing his wealth of knowledge and leadership to the coaching staff.

It’s clear that Teddy Bridgewater has a lot to offer both as a player and as a mentor, and his return to the Lions is a testament to his passion for the game. Whether he’s providing guidance to the team’s young quarterbacks or helping players understand the nuances of the game from a coaching perspective, Bridgewater’s influence will be felt for years to come in Detroit. This could very well be the start of an exciting new chapter for him, one that sees him continue his career, not on the field, but on the sidelines as part of Dan Campbell’s coaching staff. The Lions are building something special, and Bridgewater’s role in that growth could play a significant part in the team’s future success.