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Teddy Bridgewater has become something of a martyr in Florida.
While coaching at Miami Northwestern High School, the former NFL quarterback admitted to giving players financial benefits, including Uber rides, meal expenses and physical therapy for the team.
His actions led to his suspension last summer, but they are closer to being legal after a bill was signed into law in the state.
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Miami Northwestern’s Teddy Bridgewater raises the state trophy after the team’s win over Raines in the Class 3A championship on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chet Peterman/ Special to The Post/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Florida lawmakers on Thursday passed Senate Bill 178, the “Teddy Bridgewater Bill,” which requires “the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt bylaws authorizing a head coach to support the welfare of a student by using personal funds to provide the student with certain effects.”
The bill states that the coach must report the use of funds to the association, “provided that such use of personal funds is not presumed to be an impermissible advantage, etc.”
The bill will now go to the Florida House of Representatives.
Spoke to the media last August after signing a one-year deal with Tampa Bay BuccaneersBridgewater explained his thought process behind the events that led to his suspension.
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (17) on the sideline during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 25, 2023. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
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“Honestly, I think everybody knows that I’m just a cheerful guy, also a cheerful giver. I’m a protector. I’m a father first and foremost,” he began. “When I decided to coach, these players became my sons and I wanted to make sure I just protect them the best way I can. I think that’s what came.”
He reached out on social media and asked for donations “so that I no longer have to take away from my personal funds to keep smiles on these young men’s faces and remind them that they matter.”
“Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood and sometimes things can happen when kids go home and things like that,” Bridgewater said at the time. “So, I was just trying to protect them, give them a ride home instead of them having to take those dangerous walks. I just want people to continue to see me for the person that I’ve been from the time I arrived in the NFL, from the time I arrived at the University of Louisville — just a humble guy who has a big heart and a cheerful giver.”
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will retire in 2023. (Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Bridgewater was a one-time Pro Bowler for 10 years in the NFL and coached the school to a state title.
