The Detroit Lions didn't make the playoffs last season, but the last time they did, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater played a big role for the team.
While Bridgewater looked set to retire and take on the world of high school coaching after leaving the league, he made a surprising return to the NFL, linking up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers later in 2025. The hunger to compete was still burning strong from within, so he rejoined the Lions.
Bridgewater believes the Lions still have the talent to compete at the top level. As he told the media, he believes the Lions still have the goods to be one of the best teams in the league because the roster will be hungry for a major turnaround this year.
"There's still so many playmakers across the board. I think for those guys, last year left a bad taste in their mouth not making the playoffs," Bridgewater said. "I know they're the guys I met two years ago and played on the same team with. I know they'll bounce back. They'll come back even hungrier. I know those guys are working their tails off this offseason and I know they can't wait to get back out there and redeem themselves."
It's a hunger he believes he shares with the 2026 Lions, who went through adversity themselves last season and didn't make the playoffs. It was a frustrating regression for the franchise after some major winning that Bridgewater was previously a part of.
Teddy Bridgewater looking forward to pushing his Lions teammates again
Despite the fact that the Lions finished in last, they will have a chance to rebound fast with one of the easiest schedules in the league. That will only matter if they come out motivated mentally and physically, attacking the offseason strong. It seems Bridgewater knows they will be well on their way.
In terms of his own career, Bridgewater realized that he still had a fire burning and more to prove. He also realized that he has more to give back, and that's perhaps the most relevant portion of the conversation as it pertains to the Lions.
As Bridgewater said, he loves competition and wants to once again be a positive force for the teammates he crosses paths with on the Lions. At this stage of his career, nothing means more to him than his ability to connect with the young prospects that he will see in practice and enrich them for future success.
"Whether it's in practice two years ago (or) getting an opportunity to compete in the preseason, I've always been that player who wants to see others have success," Bridgewater said.
"I always felt as a quarterback, we play a huge role in success. So, if I could help a sixth-round wide receiver have a four- or five-year career, (or an) undrafted free agent get four or five years out of the league from competing with them throughout the spring, preseason, training camp -- whether we get reps in the regular season -- that's something I look forward to."
It's probably a major stretch to say the Lions took a step back due to the lack of Bridgewater, but it will be interesting to see how much his return matters for the offense. He's a veteran presence that the young players can look up to in the locker room, and that could certainly help tie things together in a meaningful way.