ALLEN PARK — Teddy Bridgewater is back with the Lions and that should bring smiles to everyone on the team, even second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Bridgewater, 32, who was a backup with the Lions in the 2023 season, spent much time working with Hooker who was a rookie.
“I understand what it looks like. It’s just a different world that we’re getting ready to walk into and I just felt like this was the right thing to do, especially with somebody I have a tremendous amount of trust with and for,’’ coach Dan Campbell said on Thursday. “He understands our offense well, the guys know him well, the coaches know him well and he brings a certain level of comfort to us.’’
Bridgewater just coached his alma mater, Miami Northwestern, to a Florida state high school championship in November. Not bad for his first year of coaching. Shortly after he announced plans to unretire and sign with an NFL team. He was on the Lions practice field on Thursday wearing No. 12.
“It’s fun, it’s cool. I’m glad to have him back here. State Champ Teddy Bridgewater is what we call him now,’’ quarterback Jared Goff said. “He’s a valuable asset to our team. I love having him in the quarterback room, he’s great to have around.’’
Campbell loves Bridgewater’s experience.
“He’s staying in shape, he’s been throwing, just getting worked back in here a little bit. It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence. Somebody that’s great for our team, that’s great for the position,’’ Campbell said. “It doesn’t mean we’re disappointed in Hooker, that’s not what this means. This gives us somebody that’s played a lot in the NFL, we’re getting ready for the playoffs, it’ll be good to get back in the fold with us.’’
Campbell said everybody in the locker room respects Bridgewater and what he stands for.
“When he gets his sea legs back under him, he’ll test those guys a little bit defensively which is good in practice,’’ Campbell said.
It’s not just that Bridgewater is an insurance policy as the Lions start a playoff run, always smiling he brings an infectious enthusiasm to the locker room.
“He’s a great resource for Jared, young quarterbacks Jake and Hendon. He is a professional — he works hard, he prepares as if he’s the starter and that’s what you want. He’s great to be around,’’ quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell said. “He brightens up that room quite a bit and adds some experience, we love having him around, obviously.’’
Campbell and Brunell both said Hooker improves daily.
“Each week he gets better, he really is. His mechanics, his fundamentals, understanding the defenses he’s presented with, his preparation, his work ethic,’’ Brunel said. “I can’t say enough about him. … He’s going to be a really good quarterback in this league and I’m excited for him.’’
Campbell has known Bridgewater since he coached him with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and 2019. As a backup for the Lions in 2023, Bridgewater played three snaps in a win over Carolina in Week 5 of the season.
Bridgewater was drafted by the Vikings in 2014 (32nd overall) and started for two seasons (6-6, 11-5). He has also played with the Saints (2018-19), Panthers (2020), Broncos (2021) and Dolphins (2022).
In 79 games in his NFL career he completed 66.4 percent of pass attempts and threw 75 touchdowns against 47 interceptions.
INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin was back at practice after getting in a full practice last week coming off a neck injury. WR Kalif Raymond had his first day of practice coming off a foot injury. “We’ll see where he’s at, I don’t feel as confident with him as I do JRM,’’ Campbell said.
UP NEXT: Lions (13-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-9), 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30.
Lions Lowdown 