Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s unexpected return to the NFL, after serving as a high school coach this past season, led to the loss of a roster spot for former Alabama prep star Kwon Alexander with the Detroit Lions.
Bridgewater, who had been coaching Miami Northwestern High School’s football team, was brought in by the Lions for a practice session on Thursday.
Under his leadership, the Miami Northwestern Bulls secured the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A championship.
To make space for Bridgewater on the Lions’ 53-man roster, Detroit waived linebacker Kwon Alexander, a former standout at Oxford High School.
Alexander had recently joined the Lions on November 29 after being signed off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad.
In his brief time with Detroit, he started two games and played 29 defensive snaps, before becoming inactive for the team’s most recent game.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell
explained that the decision to bring Bridgewater back was discussed for some time.“I’ve been in contact with Teddy for a while,” Campbell said. “It was something that was always a potential possibility.
We all know what Teddy’s been doing down there and giving back to his community. They won a championship down there, so his debut at coaching worked out pretty dang good.”
Campbell emphasized Bridgewater’s value to the team, noting the quarterback’s experience and continued training, as well as his veteran presence, which would benefit the team.
“To get somebody back here who has experience, who’s stayed in shape, and who has been throwing the ball, just get him back in here a little bit – it brings a level of professionalism,” Campbell said.
Bridgewater now joins starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker on the Lions’ active roster. In 2023, Bridgewater took three snaps as Goff’s backup during his 10th NFL season.
With a 13-2 record and two regular season games remaining, the Lions have clinched a playoff spot and are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the best NFC record.
Detroit is set to play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night in a rematch of the previous year’s NFC Championship Game.
Alexander’s football journey began in high school, where he earned recognition for his impressive stats with 144 tackles and 17 sacks during his junior year at Oxford High.
He was a finalist for the High School Butkus Award and participated in the Under Armour All-American Game in 2011.
Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, Alexander led the NFL with 108 solo tackles in 2016 and made the Pro Bowl in 2017.
Over his career, Alexander has played for six NFL teams, participating in 63 regular-season games.