Teddy Bridgewater isn't ready to retire. The veteran quarterback feels like he's visited the fountain of youth and is returning to his former NFL team for his 12th NFL season.

According to the Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi, when asked about why he keeps going, Teddy Bridgewater had a simple response.

"It's like I visited the fountain of youth or something this last year. ... There's just something in me that's like, ‘Man, you know what?’ I can do this again," said Bridgewater as per Nolan Bianchi's X post. "I've got so much left to offer this game."

In a recent video conference, the 2015 Pro-Bowler said that he thinks that it might be because of his kids or just the return to his home, which has sparked that confidence in him.

Contemplating his retirement, he says he knows what that’s like, and he’s not ready to bid his farewell just yet.

“I tricked myself thinking that I'm old," He added. "I just want to continue to just contribute in every aspect that I can.”

Furthermore, Bridgewater says he’s been training with the Colts’ RB Jonathan Taylor and the Jets’ RB Breece Hall, along with the Bears’ WR Maurice Alexander.

Training with younger players seems to have reinforced to Bridgewater that he can still compete at a high level.

Teddy Bridgewater’s Addition To The Detroit Lions

The last time Teddy Bridgewater played in Detroit in 2023, he featured in one game and earned a career-low season rating of under 40. But that was then.

The Detroit Lions have reunited quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with their new OC, Drew Petzing, for the 2026 season. When Petzing was an offensive assistant in 2014 and 2015, Bridgewater started in 28 games with the Minnesota Vikings.

In that time, he recorded 6,000+ passing yards and 28 passing TDs, even earning the 2014 PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Certainly, this duo could help elevate the Detroit Lions' offense, returning with far more experience than the first time around. That being said, his role at the Lions will likely be limited with Jared Goff generating some MVP buzz for the 2026 season.

With his third year now with the NFC North franchise, the third time could be the charm for Bridgewater.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote