LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A new bill inspired by former UofL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could help high school football players in Florida.
Bridgewater was suspended from his job as head coach of his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, after other coaches complained he was spending his own money to help players.
Bridgewater then resigned from his position as head coach before returning to the NFL to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now, NBC Sports is reporting that the Florida Senate has passed a “Teddy Bridgewater Act” that would allow coaches to spend up to $15,000 of their own money to help players.
Bridgewater’s situation came to light when he asked Northwestern fans to help him pay for Ubers, pre-game meals and athletic services for his players. It was revealed in that post that he’d spent $700 a week on rides and about $27,000 on team-branded clothing, meals and recovery-related expenses for the team.
He was suspended, then resigned and signed with the Bucs. In that 2024 season, Bridgewater led Northwestern to a state championship before signing with the Detroit Lions and returning to the NFL.
The bill still needs to pass the House and be signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. It is unclear whether the passing of the bill will lead to Bridgewater, who is due to become a free agent in March, to return to high school coaching.
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