Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker wasn’t caught off guard by the team’s decision to sign Teddy Bridgewater on Thursday. In fact, Hooker admitted it would have been more surprising if the move hadn’t happened.
The decision had been on Hooker’s radar since before training camp, around the same time Bridgewater was coaching high school football at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern.
“I figured Teddy was going to come back this season,” Hooker said on Thursday, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “Didn’t know when. I knew when his season was over, he’d return. We’ve been talking about it since the summer.”
Bridgewater, who led Miami Northwestern to a state championship in his first season as head coach, revealed earlier this month to NFL Network that he planned to come out of retirement to join a playoff contender. That journey brought him back to Detroit, where he spent the 2023 season as Jared Goff’s backup.
Head coach Dan Campbell explained that the move was aimed at strengthening the team’s quarterback depth as they gear up for a playoff run.
“I understand what it looks like,” Campbell said. “But it’s a different world we’re heading into. We felt this was the right move, especially with someone I deeply trust. He knows our offense, the players know him, and the coaches know him. He gives us a level of comfort that’s invaluable.”
Lions Add Veteran Experience Behind Jared Goff
Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick from Tennessee, has been Goff’s backup this season. Although his playing time has been limited, he has appeared in three games, completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards.
Bridgewater, a 10-year NFL veteran with 65 career starts, brings significant experience to the roster. Campbell noted that having both Hooker and Bridgewater gives the Lions flexibility in the event Goff becomes unavailable during the playoffs. With both quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, either can be designated as the emergency quarterback without impacting the game-day roster.
“Doesn’t mean we’re disappointed in Hooker,” Campbell clarified. “This just adds someone with a lot of NFL experience as we prepare for the postseason. It’ll be good to have Teddy back in the fold.”
Hooker Welcomes Bridgewater’s Return
Hooker, who worked out with Bridgewater during the offseason, expressed excitement about his mentor’s return to the locker room.
“I definitely missed my guy,” Hooker said. “Just having him in the room and leaning on him when Jared’s busy. He’s still my mentor, on and off the field. Any questions I have about life, football, or being a pro, I know I can rely on Teddy.”
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