Lions’ Teddy Bridgewater Scraps Unorthodox No. 50 Jersey for New Number

The veteran is switching up his threads once again after a head-scratching initial change.

After signing with the Lions earlier this month, veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had social media buzzing when he opted to wear the No. 50.

In the club’s second preseason game against the Jaguars, Bridgewater lined up under center wearing the odd jersey number—normally reserved for offensive lineman, linebackers or defensive lineman. The peculiar jersey choice did not bring the nine-year veteran any luck as he completed just 5-of-11 passes for 34 yards in the Lions’ 25–7 loss.

On Friday, it was announced that Bridgewater, who had previously worn No. 5 his entire NFL career, will be sporting No. 17 in the team’s preseason finale against the Panthers.

Important Teddy Bridgewater number update 1️⃣7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/JQ3hJgxbkD

— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2023

After simply adding a zero to the end of his old jersey number, the veteran signal-caller has opted for a more familiar number donned by several quarterbacks. The No. 17 is worn by the Bills’ Josh Allen and Titans signal-caller Ryan Tannehill, while it was previously sported by the retired Phillip Rivers. Last season, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield wore the No. 17 while a member of the Rams.

Bridgewater is battling with backups Nate Sudfeld, Hendon Hooker and Adrian Martinez for a spot on the Lions’ 53-man roster behind starter Jared Goff and will have one last chance to prove himself in a game on Friday against Carolina.