Teddy Bridgewater Suspended for High School Football Season
Former Miami Northwestern High School football coach and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the suspension on Friday, citing impermissible benefits provided to athletes during Bridgewater's tenure.
Details of the Suspension and Penalties
In addition to Bridgewater's suspension, Miami Northwestern received a reprimand and a $2,500 penalty from the FHSAA. The school can have $2,250 of the fine returned if no further violations occur. The suspension, initially handed down by Northwestern in July, was subsequently approved by the FHSAA.
The initial suspension stemmed from a social media post in which Bridgewater admitted to spending approximately $700 per week on Uber rides for his players during the 2024 season. He also disclosed spending significant sums on a preseason training camp ($14,000), branded clothing ($9,500), postgame recovery trucks ($1,300 per week), and pregame meals ($2,200 per week).
Bridgewater's Rationale and the FHSAA's Investigation
Bridgewater addressed the situation during his introductory press conference with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He stated, "I'm a father first before anything. And when I decided to coach, those players became my sons. And I wanted to make sure I protected them best that I can and that's how it came about... Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and things like that. So, I just tried to protect them and give them a ride home instead of having them take those dangerous walks."
FHSAA executive director Craig Damon acknowledged the challenges in investigating the matter due to limited resources and personnel changes at Northwestern. The FHSAA lacks subpoena power, and key individuals involved in the 2024 season, including Bridgewater and the former principal, are no longer at the school.
“We have very limited power when it comes down to trying to get information," Damon said.
Bridgewater's Coaching Success and Return to the NFL
Despite the suspension, Bridgewater's single season as head coach at Miami Northwestern was remarkably successful. He led the team to a Florida Class 3A state championship in 2024, earning him the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year award. The team finished the season ranked No. 6 in Florida.
Bridgewater initially announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2024 to take the coaching job but returned to professional football at the end of the high school season, signing with the Detroit Lions. He later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a backup quarterback for the 2025 season.
Northwestern's Current Status
Northwestern has appointed alumnus Jaquatin Victrum as interim head coach. The team is currently 1-1 and ranked as the top team in Class 3A. They are scheduled to face Miami Norland in a Week 4 game.
