I Look Up to Him: Lions WR Shares Emotional Take on Teddy Bridgewater
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 09: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams 1 eases up after running away from Commanders defenders for a long gain after a catch during the Detroit Lions versus Washington Commanders National Football League game at Northwest Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Landover, MD. Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 09 Lions at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9662511090868
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 09: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams 1 eases up after running away from Commanders defenders for a long gain after a catch during the Detroit Lions versus Washington Commanders National Football League game at Northwest Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Landover, MD. Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 09 Lions at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9662511090868
The Detroit Lions are in full swing with their OTAs after they revamped their offensive line this offseason. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jameson Williams has been a major focal point of the team's offense during offseason drills.
Speaking to the media after OTAs, Williams shared his thoughts on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and how much he values having the veteran signal-caller back with the Lions.
“It means a lot. He’s played a big, huge part in my career,” Williams said. “That’s my brother, man. I look up to him.”
Jameson Williams. Image Credits: Scott Serio/Imago
Jameson Williams. Image Credits: Scott Serio/Imago
Williams also welcomed the Lions' decision to bring Bridgewater back as Jared Goff's backup. Teddy entered the NFL again after announcing retirement in 2024.
“He’s a real great guy, real great person. So it’s always great to be around Teddy,” Williams added.
This marks Bridgewater's third stint with the Lions, where he is expected to serve as the primary backup behind Jared Goff.
Though Teddy serves as a backup now, he has played a crucial role in Williams' career.
Williams was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the 12th overall pick by the Detroit Lions. He recorded a career-best season in 2025 with 65 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
While Bridgewater is expected to serve as Jared Goff's backup, Williams believes the veteran's influence extends far beyond the depth chart.
Bridgewater's Presence Shaped Williams' Growth
Williams has faced off-field scrutiny, but since Teddy joined the Lions, the veteran has had a very positive impact on him.
"When Teddy came around, things weren't going my way and he just told me to stay focused and keep moving forward. The life we live is different from others, and others want to be in the spot we're in, so we can never take it for granted or get too worked up on ourself about mishaps or when things aren't going right," Williams said last year. "You just gotta keep going until eventually it's going to get right."
In 2022, he suffered an ACL injury before entering the NFL and was recovering during his rookie season. That year, his production numbers were less as he barely played.
Later, Williams received backlash from the public and media scrutiny after posting videos of fireworks. He was not hurt at that time, but the incident looked like another example of the receiver heading in the wrong direction.
Each of the past two seasons, Williams has registered at least 1,000 receiving yards and more than 17 yards per catch. He’s also scored seven touchdowns in the last two campaigns.
As Williams continues to establish himself as one of Detroit's key offensive weapons, he made it clear that Bridgewater's influence has played an important role in that journey.
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Written by
Evince Das
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore