MIAMI — Teddy Bridgewater, a former NFL quarterback, has returned to his roots this season, making a significant mark as a high school football coach by clinching a state championship.

In his inaugural year as the head coach of Miami Northwestern High School, Bridgewater successfully guided the Bulls to victory in the Florida Class 3A state title game. The team triumphed over Jacksonville Raines High with an impressive score of 41-0 on Saturday.

“It feels amazing to be back on top,” expressed Bridgewater following the Bulls’ eighth state championship win.

Under his leadership, the team concluded the season with a record of 12-2, showcasing an outstanding performance throughout the playoffs. The Bulls dominated their five playoff rivals, outscoring them by a remarkable margin of 262-12.

Bridgewater’s football journey began in his hometown of Miami, where he played quarterback for Miami Northwestern from 2008 to 2010. During that time, he amassed over 5,000 passing yards and guided the Bulls to the state finals as a sophomore, establishing himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country.

He later pursued his college career at the University of Louisville, where he excelled, leading to his selection by the Minnesota Vikings as the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Throughout his nine-season NFL career, he played for six different teams and recorded 15,120 passing yards along with 75 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, his career faced a major setback due to a severe knee injury during his third year with the Vikings, which nearly derailed his professional journey.

Bridgewater’s successful transition from player to coach highlights not only his expertise in the game but also his dedication to fostering the next generation of athletes.