Notes: Teddy Bridgewater already delivering inspirational speeches as HS coach

A big crowd showed up to watch Teddy Bridgewater in action as a high school coach, and he’s already delivering inspiration speeches.

Trading in his uniform for a whistle, Teddy Bridgewater kicked off his high school football coaching career and hundreds of fans came out to see it.

The 31-year-old former Detroit Lion drew a big crowd that lined up along the fences of Miami Northwestern High School just to watch the squad practice. Bridgewater retired following the Lions’ trip to the NFC Championship after 10 years in the league, announcing he’d be taking on the role of head coach at his alma mater.

In a video circulating X by 305 Sports in Miami, Bridgewater is seen telling his guys to walk along the gates to greet the fans and thank them for coming.

After a disappointing 4-6 season last year at the South Florida school, he says he’s creating a culture of hard work and Miami Northwestern is “thriving.”

“We live in a time where everything’s been handed to these kids. I just want to come back and remind them that everything that you really want, you have to work hard for,” he said in another 305 Sports video.

In his short time with the Lions, Bridgewater was known for his leadership, particularly taking interest in mentoring Jameson Williams. The pair were photographer together back in March continuing their work post-retirement.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• A little more on Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates if you’re part of the fan club — a big part of the historic Lions turnaround is culture. We hear Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell always say they’re looking for high-character guys, and Bates really seems to fit that mold. From our interactions, he comes off humble, appreciative of all the support, but focused. When I asked how he stays so poised, he thanked God for his opportunities, and when I asked about halftime adjustments (the game wasn’t going too favorably for the Panthers), he emphasized teamwork and hard work. There was also this neat moment:

• Megatron joined Kay Adams to talk about his new partnership with the Detroit Tigers.

• Another from Up and Adams while we’re at it — something to be… aware of over in the Windy City.

• The Met Gala is known for its wild fashion. The Lions did something fun on social media for it using some our favorite guys’ looks:

• A bit of Amon-Ra St. Brown film breakdown (click through for the thread):

• Well if this isn’t the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen: