The ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ could bring significant change to the high school sports scene, setting off a potential ripple effect across the country. If passed, the bill would allow high school coaches to use up to $15,000 of personal funds to support student athletes with things like transportation and food.
It was something that the 33-year-old NFL quarterback brought attention to a year ago, when he was suspended by his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School, for using impermissible funds on the team.
Bridgewater returned to the NFL in the wake of the suspension, signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s unclear if he’d return to the high school coaching ranks if the bill passes, but the quarterback could have a lasting impact on the sport regardless.
Here’s what to know about the ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ in Florida.
What is the Teddy Bridgewater Act?
The ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ (officially Senate Bill 178) is a bill designed to allow high school coaches to use personal funds to support student-athletes with transportation, food and recovery services. The bill’s language indicates that the coaches must act in good faith and cannot spend more than $15,000 per year.
Any use of funds must be reported and the act would cover public K-12 schools in Florida.
Is the Teddy Bridgewater Act signed into law?
The ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ has not become law yet in Florida.
It passed the state’s Senate unanimously, collecting 38 votes. The bill will now head to the Florida House of Representatives. If it passes through that government body without issue, it will head to the governor’s desk.
At that point, Gov. Ron DeSantis can sign the bill into law.
Why was Teddy Bridgewater suspended?
Bridgewater was suspended for providing impermissible benefits to his players. The violation occurred during the 2024 season, when the quarterback-turned-coach paid for transportation, food, recovery efforts and more for his team.
The suspension came after Miami Northwestern High School won the Class 3A state championship in Bridgewater’s first season as head coach.
What high school did Teddy Bridgewater coach?
Bridgewater coached Miami Northwestern High School, his alma mater.
The quarterback took the opportunity as a way to continue giving back to the community, saying that he was a younger version of himself in the players.
“I was once in that locker room that I coach in,” Bridgewater, who was raised by a single mother, Rose, told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell in January 2025. “I know the level of maturity that I had when I was 14, 15, 16, 17. And I knew that I still needed to grow up a little bit. I had some great coaches, but if I had other extensive male figures in my life, I would’ve been even more mature. So, I approach them from that aspect. Because really, honestly, I’m trying to help these kids make it past Miami, make it outside the city.”
The school posted a 12-2 record with Bridgewater running the show, eventually winning a state championship that season.
How much money did Teddy Bridgewater spend on his players?
Bridgewater revealed that he spent more than $28,000 on his team during the 2024 season. The quarterback later asked for help from the community to fund the effort, which led to his suspension.
He spoke about the situation on Aug. 6, 2025 after signing with the Buccaneers.
‘When I decided to coach, those players became my sons and I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can,’ Bridgewater said. ‘Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that. So I just tried to protect them, give them a ride home instead of them having to take those dangerous walks.’
In a Facebook post, Bridgewater shared what he spent on the team:
- $2,200 per week to feed his players pregame meals;
- $14,000 for a training camp;
- $9,500 for uniforms;
- $1,300 per week for recovery services;
- $300 per week to keep the team’s field painted;
- $700 for Uber rides
Teddy Bridgewater career earnings
Bridgewater has earned about $66 million in his NFL career, per Spotrac.
Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Bridgewater played 11 seasons with the Vikings, Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins.
Only four of those years came as his team’s primary starter.
