Former Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater Retirement Statement: Strong and Impactful

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater announced his retirement after the 2023 season in a heartwarming interview with the Detroit Free Press.

Teddy Bridgewater, a beloved Minnesota Vikings quarterback, has announced his retirement after the 2023 season. Despite being a backup for the Detroit Lions, Bridgewater reflected on his career in an exclusive interview with the Detroit Free Press, emphasizing the importance of family and community. Selected 32nd overall in the 2014 draft, Bridgewater's career was nearly derailed by a gruesome leg injury during the 2016 preseason, but he persevered and continued to play for seven more years. Now, at 31, he plans to retire to focus on being a father to his two boys and to coach high school football next season.

Bridgewater's announcement comes with four games left in the regular season, including two matchups against his former team, the Vikings. He looks forward to returning to U.S. Bank Stadium and Ford Field for what will be his final regular season game. Despite the highs and lows of his career, Bridgewater remains appreciative and focused on enjoying his final year in the NFL.

Since leaving the Vikings in 2018, Bridgewater has played for the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and now the Detroit Lions. After considering retirement last season, Bridgewater was persuaded by Lions coach Dan Campbell to make one final run before hanging up his cleats for good. Reflecting on his career, Bridgewater emphasized the importance of perspective and the impact of injuries, successes, and failures on building character. He's grateful for the platform that football has given him and looks forward to making an impact in his community after retiring.