Lions Quarterback Honored by Florida Senate 9 Months After Controversial Suspension
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Detroit Lions Detroit Lions quarterback Terry Bridgewater 50 looks for an opening to pass the ball during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Friday, August 11, 2023. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-jacksonv230819_npv01.jpg
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Detroit Lions Detroit Lions quarterback Terry Bridgewater 50 looks for an opening to pass the ball during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Friday, August 11, 2023. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-jacksonv230819_npv01.jpg
A controversial suspension has now led to a unique honor for Teddy Bridgewater. The Florida Senate just passed a new law in his name, aiming to protect coaches who help student-athletes in need.
The Florida Senate honored Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater by passing the Teddy Bridgewater Act in February.
On March 10, the Florida House followed suit, unanimously passing the act (112-0). The only thing left is Governor Ron DeSantis's signature.
As per WPBF 25 News, the bill’s main sponsor, Sen. Shervin Jones, explained: "We did put guardrails, we put the $15,000 cap on there, another guardrail that we're putting in place, done by an amendment, was ensuring the parents are aware of what's being purchased for them."
The funds allocated allow head coaches to spend on food, sports equipment, transportation, and other fundamental needs for any public or charter school student.
Dec. 28, 2013 - Orlando, FL, USA - Louisville quarterback Terry Bridgewater (5) stretches before the start of action against Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. Russell Athletic Bowl - ZUMAm67
Dec. 28, 2013 - Orlando, FL, USA - Louisville quarterback Terry Bridgewater (5) stretches before the start of action against Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. Russell Athletic Bowl - ZUMAm67
Jones further said that coaches need to have receipts of their purchases. "Coaches can't just willy-nilly and just purchase unlimited things for these young people,” he said
This bill was passed after Bridgewater was suspended at his high school alma mater for paying for food and transportation for other players.
Jones said he facilitated the bill's passage after he found out about the suspension. "What I did was after speaking with some community members and to some of the student athletes, we went on and found legislation to ensure that this never happens again," added Jones.
Teddy Bridgewater re-signs with the Detroit Lions
Teddy Bridgewater is back with the Detroit Lions after the front office decided to sign him and serve as backup to Jared Goff.
"He's back: Teddy Bridgewater is headed back to the #Lions, per The Insiders," Ian Rapoport posted on X on March 11.
This comes on the back of the incumbent number two quarterback, Kyle Allen’s move to the Buffalo Bills.
Bridgewater first signed with the Lions in 2023 and played just a single game with three snaps. He then bid adieu to the NFL and went on to coach at Miami Northwestern, his high school alma mater.
He came out of retirement later, first joining the Lions in 2024 and later signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Written by
Shyam Hari
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi