Former NFL MVP Cam Newton is discussing Teddy Bridgewater’s recent suspension from his head coaching job at Miami Northwestern High School.
Bridgewater was suspended last week for paying for his student athletes’ expenses, something that many across the NFL have called an inspiration.
NFL Legend Cam Newton Makes His Voice Heard on Teddy Bridgewater’s Suspension
Newton, reacting on his podcast, defended Bridgewater’s actions, saying the school and athletic association “shouldn’t punish him, you should praise him because we need more like him.”
He went further, suggesting that if Bridgewater is to be disciplined, then “punish every teacher, the principal, and counselor that’s really giving their own money to pour back into these kids. And you wonder why we have a shortage of good teachers.”
“If you’re gonna punish him, punish every teacher and counselor doing the same!”
Cam Newton GOES OFF after hearing Teddy Bridgewater got suspended for helping kids pic.twitter.com/UPMv45sENr
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) July 19, 2025
After his retirement from the NFL, Bridgewater coached Miami Northwestern to a Class 3A Florida High School Athletic Association state title. Later that year he returned to the NFL and was on the Detroit Lions’ playoff roster.
It was announced on Monday that Bridgewater had been suspended from his role after paying for Uber rides, meals, and recovery services for team players. Two former NFL players spoke out against the suspension.
Bridgewater is not the typical high school coach, as he amassed over $60 million in earnings during his NFL career. It is no surprise that he has the ability to financially support members of his team, for which he was ultimately suspended.
The decision to suspend him has faced plenty of criticism. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to X to call out the decision, stating:
“Teddy Bridgewater just got suspended as the Head Coach of Miami Northwestern High School because he covered Uber rides, meals, and recovery services for his players out of his own pockets last season.”
“Just caring,” Griffin added. “He gave them the tools to chase a better future and is getting punished for it. Suspending Teddy Bridgewater isn’t justice. It’s punishing love, leadership, and sacrifice.”
Teddy Bridgewater just got suspended as the Head Coach of Miami Northwestern High School because he covered Uber rides, meals and recovery services for his players out of his own pockets last season.
He got suspended for taking care of his players when they were in need,… pic.twitter.com/7fV4M5px1B
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 14, 2025
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson also chimed in, noting:
“Basic necessities & resources that the kids needed & this is what you do 🤦🏾”
Basic necessities & resources that the kids needed & this is what you do 🤦🏾 https://t.co/iO521LPPuw
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) July 14, 2025
Bridgewater has stated his intention to remain involved with the team, even if unofficially. “If it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem,” he wrote.
The controversy underscores ongoing debates about support for student-athletes and the rigid enforcement of amateur status rules at the high school level.
Miami Northwestern has declined to comment further on the situation.
