Florida school sports saw a major positive shift on Thursday.
On Thursday, the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” (CS/CS/SB 178) was passed unanimously in Florida, authorizing K–12 head coaches to contribute up to $15,000 per year from their own funds to benefit student-athletes.
Teddy Bridgewater was suspended from his alma mater, Northwestern… pic.twitter.com/0PMdpXqS5e
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 20, 2026
Teddy Bridgewater, the former NFL and Louisville quarterback, made headlines this year after being suspended as the head coach of Miami Northwestern High School.
Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from Miami Northwestern for providing “impermissible benefits” to his players — which included Uber rides, physical therapy, pregame meals, recovery help, field paint, and more.
If that’s the case, Teddy Bridgewater should be celebrated, not… pic.twitter.com/nGrf3fwTox
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 14, 2025
So let me get this straight: Teddy Bridgewater — a volunteer not even a school employee — is being suspended for helping kids and doing good in his community?
Bridgewater personally covered:
• $14K for training camp
• $9,500 for team pride sets
• $2,200/week for pregame meals… pic.twitter.com/Fh6jOrGrEh— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 14, 2025
Bridgewater used his own money to cover meals, Uber rides, and other team expenses, sparking debate over which costs high school coaches should be permitted to cover.
Now, Bridgewater bears the name of the bill that will allow coaches to positively benefit their team and communities.
So many high school coaches use their own money to support their student athletes and provide food and transportation. Teddy Bridgewater made a huge impact here. https://t.co/0xDD02Iven
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 20, 2026
This is awesome news! Hopefully it isn’t abused in the wrong way, but instead used to uplift young men like Teddy Bridgewater was trying to do. https://t.co/Ktu7IvLqV1
— HC (@H_Clouse) February 20, 2026
Good. How about an apology to him too? They made Teddy seem like some kinda criminal for buying food and Uber rides for kids https://t.co/7gLR0UEwjW
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewColler) February 20, 2026
Credit to Florida for stepping up and doing right by the student-athletes.
