University of Louisville football fans have witnessed numerous NFL draft sessions over the years, but none of them with the level of emotion tied to the future of an individual player like Teddy Bridgewater in this year’s event.

Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater

Always satisfying to see UofL players get drafted but this one was personal for many, knowing just how much Teddy Bridgewater meant to the program over the past three seasons. A very special individual, one who excelled not only on the field but in the classroom and in the community,  respected and loved for his approach to life and football.

The selection process, made much more complex than it needed to be. Media reports throughout the season suggesting Teddy would be the No. 1 pick in the overall draft, a sure thing all of them said, leading Bridgewater to leave school a year early to go pro. But as the draft approaches the same people reassessing their positions, based on reports from cynical NFL coaches and scouts dismissing an impressive collegiate career, causing his stock to drop.

UofL fans, knowing how exceptional he is, having that special bond with Teddy, wanting the best for him, wondering how the NFL could bypass such special player through the first 31 draft picks.

Bridgewater, as always, remaining optimistic, humble and thankful for just being there, tugging at the heartstrings of his fans, wanting him to succeed, knowing he will be a great pro football player, agonizing over which team will pick Teddy and become their new favorite NFL team.

The Minnesota Vikings are the winners, and Teddy will make them look like geniuses. 

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “Vikings make the smart pick with Teddy Bridgewater”
  1. The Cleveland Browns are the real losers. They had ample opportunity to pick this priceless gem and failed. They needed Teddy a lot more than Johnny football who is merely a second coming of Colt McCoy.

  2. The NFL lost a lot of respect during this process, the scouts trying to second guess each other and outwitting themselves, all but the Vikings failing to recognize what a special player Teddy Bridgewater is and what he brings to the table. Congratulations to the Vikings for making the smart decision.

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