The Ultimate Twist: Beloved Former Vikings Quarterback Unretires to Sign with Detroit Lions

It’s Teddy Time. Not for the Minnesota Vikings though. While Kevin O’Connell continues to surge with Sam Darnold as his quarterback, a former fan favorite is back in the NFL. Teddy Bridgewater had been hinting at a comeback for some time, and it appears he had a little something up his sleeve.

Teddy Bridgewater is joining the Minnesota Vikings enemy

Fresh off a high school championship coaching run, Teddy Bridgewater is jumping back into the NFL fray. He teased the desire to return back in November, and brought it up again earlier this month . The Detroit Lions were the last team to employ the former first round pick, and he’s headed back there.

Bridgewater has not played in the NFL this season after going to coach his alma mater. Last year he appeared in one game for the Detroit Lions but only to take a few kneel downs against the Carolina Panthers.

The last time Bridgewater started was in 2022 for the Miami Dolphins. Across five games he completed 62% of his passes while carrying an even 4/4 TD/INT ratio.

Detroit’s only other rostered quarterback is 2023 draft pick Hendon Hooker. He has played in three games this season, completing 6-of-9 passes. Bridgewater immediately gives Dan Campbell a veteran backup option that has familiarity with Ben Johnson’s system.

“I’ve been in contact with Teddy for a while. It was something that was always potentially a possibility. We all know what Teddy has been doing down there and giving back to his community. They won a championship down there so his debut at coaching worked out pretty good. To be able to add somebody back here that’s got experience. He’s stayed in shape. He’s been throwing… It just brings a level of professionalism. Veteran presence, somebody that’s great for our team. He’s great for the position.”

Dan Campbell on the addition of Teddy Bridgewater

Minnesota is unlikely to see Bridgewater under center for the Week 18 matchup against Detroit. That game could determine the division, and the number one overall seed in the NFC. Jared Goff should be locked in as he attempts to beat the Vikings for a second time this season.

It’s pretty crazy for Bridgewater to step down to the high school level and coach, win a championship, and then return to an NFL roster. That’s exactly where we are though.