In a surprise move, veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has signed with the Detroit Lions, marking his return to the NFL after a brief but successful stint as a high school football coach. Bridgewater, who led his high school team to a state championship title, has decided to trade in his coaching clipboard for a helmet and pads once again.

According to sources, Bridgewater’s decision to sign with the Lions was influenced by his desire to continue competing at the highest level. Despite his success as a high school coach, Bridgewater reportedly missed the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of being part of an NFL team.

Bridgewater’s coaching experience was seen as a valuable asset by the Lions’ front office, who believe that his leadership skills and football IQ will be a great addition to their quarterback room. “Teddy brings a unique perspective to our team,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “His experience as a coach has given him a deeper understanding of the game, and we’re excited to see how he’ll contribute to our offense.”

Bridgewater’s playing career has been marked by ups and downs, including a devastating knee injury in 2016 that nearly ended his career. However, he has shown remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back to play for several teams including the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers.

As he joins the Lions, Bridgewater will be competing with incumbent starter Jared Goff for the top quarterback spot. While it’s unclear what the future holds for Bridgewater, one thing is certain: he’s ready to put his coaching days behind him and get back to doing what he loves – playing football.

“I’m excited to be back in the NFL and grateful for the opportunity to join the Lions,” Bridgewater said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to competing with my new teammates and contributing to the team’s success in any way I can.”