Former University of Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is returning to the NFL after retiring last year.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Thursday that Bridgewater is signing with the team, the Detroit Free Press reported. The NFL Network first reported the news.

The move marks Bridgewater’s second stint with the Lions. The 32-year-old quarterback joined the team in the 2023 season as a replacement for starting quarterback Jared Goff and later announced plans to retire and pursue a high school coaching career at Miami Northwestern, his alma mater.

In his first season as a high school ball coach, Bridgewater led his team to a 12-2 record, including a stunning 41-0 victory in the Class 3A state championship game.

According to the Free Press, Campbell said Bridgewater’s years of experience in the league and his previous time with the Lions make him a valuable addition.

“It’s great for our team,” Campbell said. “I think everyone in this locker room respects Teddy and what he stands for and the type of person he is, but also the type of player he is.”

Bridgewater hinted at the possibility of his return to the NFL in a recent interview with NFL Network.

“My team is aware of the plan. Our goal was to win a state championship, after which the coach would return to the league to see what happened. Then he would return in the offseason in February to continue coaching high school football. “We’ll see how it all plays out,” Bridgewater told NFL Network.

Bridgewater was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and has played for six teams throughout his career.

The popular Louisville quarterback made headlines locally this fall thanks to his induction into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in September and a ceremony honoring his No. 5 Cardinals jersey during a game at L&N Stadium in October.

Detroit Free Press sports reporter Jared Ramsey contributed to this report. Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at [email protected] or @bkillian72 on X.

This article originally appeared in the Louisville Courier Journal: Teddy Bridgewater: Former Louisville quarterback signs with Detroit Lions