Just In: Lions QB unexpectedly retires after…

The Detroit Lions’ historic postseason run came to an end this past weekend when they suffered a tough loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Detroit led 24–7 at the half, but they struggled to execute in the second half and head coach Dan Campbell made dubious decisions to go for it on fourth down. Many in the NFL world were shocked to learn after the game that the veteran quarterback for the Lions is likely to retire this year.

Detroit Lions Quarterback Retiring

Teddy Bridgewater, a quarterback for Detroit and a journeyman in the NFL, is anticipated to have played his final NFL game following his 2014 draft selection. In 2023, Bridgewater served as Jared Goff’s backup and has played for multiple teams. In addition to the veteran quarterback’s earlier declaration that 2023 would be his last season, a picture of Bridgewater and his head coach leaving the field together surfaced on social media.

What a photo… Teddy Bridgewater is expected to retire from the NFL. https://t.co/UewRCqnSu1

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024

Teddy Bridgewater Reflects On Career

The veteran stated that he is currently happy with his career in the league and disclosed what drove him to decide to retire in 2023.

I was young and I was trapped in this lifestyle thinking that I was a football player 24-7, and when I got hurt I realized that I’m only a football player for three hours on a Sunday afternoon. Outside of that, I’m Theodore Bridgewater, so it just put everything into perspective and it really helped me not even have to think about not being a starter (anymore).

It’s like, ‘Man, I still got purpose.’ And my purpose is bigger than the game of football. football is just a platform that I have.

Statistics

Throughout his career, Bridgewater has been a member of six different teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos before moving to Detroit.

Throughout his career, he has accumulated 15,120 throwing yards, 75 touchdowns overall, and three seasons with more than 3,000 yards passing. Despite the horrific injuries that dogged his career, many NFL fans will remember him as a fine quarterback and a wonderful person.

At the end of the day, what counts is that Bridgewater had a career of which he is happy and content, even though he won’t be finishing on a high note or with a Super Bowl. Which team will you remember the seasoned quarterback for? What was your favorite moment of his ten-year career?