Impact of Teddy Bridgewater Invaluable for Young Offensive Players

Teddy Bridgewater is eager to mentor Jameson Williams and young players.

Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is eager to impart the knowledge he has gained over a career that has spanned a decade. 

Arriving to Detroit after spending time with his family this offseason, the 30-year-old quarterback brings with himself a vast array of experience, which he is excited about sharing with Jameson Williams and other members of the offense. 

While Bridgewater has played in several offensive systems and has been around a wide variety of terminology, there will still be a learning curve and a transition period for the veteran quarterback.  

Dan Campbell was asked about the potential challenge of getting Bridgewater up to speed quickly, given the time he's missed already. 

With his experience, Campbell has plenty of faith in the 30-year-old signal-caller making a quick transition.

"There is a challenge to it, but I think that Teddy's a pro. And, I go back to this -- he's been in every system you can be in. It's all about flipping terminology for him," Campbell explained. "There won't be one thing he'll be doing with us that he hasn't done with somebody else. It's just the nature of what are we calling it. Where do you want the snap point? Little things like that.

"He'll know the progressions, the reads by coverage. I mean, he's a smart football player. So, there's a challenge to it, but I have a lot of faith in Teddy picking it up. I know him and the mental part of it, he's gonna be on top of it real fast."

Bridgewater admitted to reporters that Detroit's terminology would be different from what he has been used to in the past. 

"Each system, there's usually some carryover. Concepts is usually the same. It's really the verbiage. And given that I've played in different systems, I've heard just about all the verbiage, until I got to Detroit," said the veteran quarterback. "It's all new verbiage, but similar concepts. So, just really getting familiar with what we're calling things. That's the biggest thing for me."

Additional Reading: Day 14 Lions Training Camp Observations

Why Detroit is right fit at this time of his career 

While it may seem like the veteran could have waited longer to find a team that did not have such a strong incumbent starting quarterback, Detroit seemed like the ultimate destination, given just how familiar he was with the coaching staff. 

"I just think, with the talent on this team, the starters on this team, the experience on this team -- just felt like a great situation for me to just come in and honestly just be a mentor to some of the younger guys," said Bridgewater. "Teach them how to be pros, while also fine-tuning my game. I feel like I still got some left in the tank. So, it's a great situation, like I said. Familiar faces. Love the quarterback room already. From (QB coach Mark Brunell) to J.G. Just a great room, man. 

"(Adrian) Martinez. Nate (Sudfeld). J.T. Barrett's in there. He was with me in New Orleans, and then Hendon (Hooker). It just feels good coming into the facility every day. My spirit feels like it belongs here."

The value of mentorship and leaving a legacy

In joining Detroit, Bridgewater is also looking forward to paving a path to success for the next wave of NFL players.

"That's just been me my entire life, just paying it forward, because I know that I won't play this game forever," Bridgewater commented. "You know, there's certain things in life that I can't do forever. So, it's like, man, how can I leave an everlasting impact? How can I prepare the next wave of talent, the next wave of athletes for what's in store?" 

The veteran signal-caller is excited for the opportunity to mentor second-year wideout Jameson Williams, as he continues his professional journey. 

"It just means a lot to me, especially when you see guys like Jameson Williams, who has unbelievable talent. I get to be a part of his journey. J.T. (Barrett) and I, we talk a lot, because he's now on the coaching side," Bridgewater continued. "He's telling guys, man, 'Teddy taught me when I was a rookie, you know, he taught me how to do this, do that.' That's what it's all about for me. Of course, having success as a player. But, those are the life trophies that I get. Those are the plaques that you don't see on the walls. And, it just means a lot to me."

Working with Jameson Williams 

The opportunity to work with a player of Williams' caliber was a selling point. As Bridgewater knows, there are not too many wideouts with lightning-fast speed, like the Alabama product. 

"He's a guy, man. He has unbelievable talent. And, you know, I want to just push him to those limits that he may have never been pushed to," the backup passer expressed. "You know, it's a little tougher when practice is going on, because the coaches have different guys who they have to get going. If he messes up on the play, you can critique him real quick, but you got to get to the next play. 

"So, he's a guy, like, I really want to just see have a long future in this league, because you all know he was a first-rounder for a reason. I just want to challenge them, you know, to be the best player they can be, be a true pro. And, I'm excited that I get to challenge him. And really. I'm going to implement some things that's going to really make them hate me. But, it's gonna be great for JG (Goff), great for this offense, this organization. And, I'm excited about his future."