National Football League

Bridgewater Joins Vick on QB7

Published Oct. 7, 2020 6:47 p.m. ET

In the latest episode of Michael Vick's QB7: Special Edition, Vick sits down with Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to discuss past injuries, learning from Drew Brees, working with a first-year NFL coach and seeing Black quarterbacks have success in the NFL.

Vick began the conversation by asking Bridgewater about the 2016 practice field injury that many thought would be career-ending for Teddy B.

Bridgewater suffered a non-contact knee injury, tearing his ACL and dislocating his knee joint. Doctors were considering amputation, but somehow, Bridgewater only missed the 2016 season.

"The first thing that happened when I went down, I just told the guys, 'Go get my phone,' said Bridgewater, recalling the injury. "I had to text my mom and I had to text [my wife] Erika. Those are my prayer warriors and I knew that I had to get them going."

He made his way back, and in 2018, Bridgewater was traded to the New Orleans Saints. As a backup to future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees, Bridgewater explained how he was able to absorb knowledge from one of the best QBs in the history of the game.

"He knew how to turn it on, and when he turned it on, he was the ultimate competitor – that right there gave me more of a drive to compete."

Teddy Bridgewater on biggest takeaway from being teammates with Drew Brees | QB7

Carolina Panther quarterback Teddy Bridgewater joins Michael Vick to discuss the biggest lessons he's learned being in New Orleans with Drew Brees.

In 2019, Brees went down with a thumb injury and Bridgewater stepped up and used those lessons from Brees to lead the team to a 5-0 record in his absence.

Brees eventually returned, and once free agency hit in 2020, the Carolina Panthers locked up Bridgewater as their franchise QB, under first-year coach Matt Rhule, who last coached in the college ranks at Baylor.

Bridgewater and Rhule gelled quickly, and Bridgewater admired Rhule's ability to humble himself and openly admit his inexperience coming from the college landscape.

"A lot of people have struggled making the jump from college to the NFL, but I think Coach Rhule, he'll tell you if he doesn't know."

Teddy Bridgewater on working with Matt Rhule a first-year head coach coming out of college | QB7

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater joins Michael Vick to discuss his new head coach Matt Rhule. Bridgewater explains what makes Matt Rhule so unique in his first-season as an NFL head coach.

Despite a rocky start to the 2020 season, losing their first two games and seeing superstar running back Christian McCaffrey miss time with an ankle injury, the Panthers bounced back in impressive fashion.

Carolina snapped their 10-game losing streak with a Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and a Week 4 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals, and with Rhule's motivation and philosophy, Bridgewater believes the Panthers team has a bright future ahead.

Speaking of bright futures, Bridgewater discussed how the QB position has changed and the incredible play of Black quarterbacks in the league, giving credit to Vick for blazing the trail.

"It's a great feeling. You credit the world before you for paving the way, like yourself."

Teddy Bridgewater on how he feels seeing so many successful Black Quarterbacks | QB7

Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater joins Michael Vick to discuss the success of black quarterbacks in the NFL.

There were 10 Black QBs starting on NFL rosters in Week 1, the most in league history.

You can watch the entire interview below:

Teddy Bridgewater sits down with Michael Vick | QB7

Carolina Panthers starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater joins Michael Vick to discuss everything from his injury with the Minnesota Vikings to his time as a backup for Drew Brees to what it's like playing for first-year head coach Matt Rhule to the pride he takes in seeing many Black quarterbacks succeed in the NFL right now.

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