By Mmesoma 
MIAMI, July 14, 2025 – Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, 32, has been suspended from his head coaching position at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, amid an investigation for reportedly providing “impermissible benefits” to student-athletes .
Bridgewater led the team to a Class 3A state championship in 2024—his first year as coach—before signing on as a backup with the Detroit Lions later that season .
He disclosed via a July 7 Facebook post that he personally paid for Uber rides, team meals, and athletic recovery services, covering weekly costs of approximately $700 for rides, $2,200 for meals, and $1,300 for recovery trucks. He also appealed to fans and parents to donate toward these expenses .
Bridgewater stressed that he “self‑reported” these outlays to the school, insisting there was no hidden investigation and asserting the administration lacked grounds to suspend someone who wasn’t formally employed .
The Florida High School Athletic Association has confirmed it is gathering more information into the incident .
In a defiant post, Bridgewater said:
> “The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you… I’m free to go to another school… but I’m not going anywhere. And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers…” .
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Background Summary
Bridgewater was the final 2014 first-round NFL draft pick, spent a decade across six teams, and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2015. After retiring in early 2024, he took on the Miami Northwestern coaching job, leading them to a state title. Later that year, he rejoined the NFL as a backup for the Detroit Lions, completing just one pass in a playoff game .
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Why It Matters
This case highlights tension between the rulebook governing high school athletics—which typically prohibits coaches from covering player costs—and actions taken by Bridgewater, who argues his contributions were charitable, supportive, and done in good faith. The ongoing administrative and FHSAA investigations may influence how youth sports handle financial assistance moving forward.
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