New Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday candidly discussed his suspension from Miami Northwestern, saying he was simply trying to protect his players.Bridgewater was suspended for providing players with what were deemed to be impermissible benefits, including Uber rides, meals and recovery services. The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback funded this himself. He eventually resigned from his position as head coach before signing with Tampa Bay.Speaking to reporters after training camp on Wednesday, Bridgewater said providing those services to his young players is simply in his DNA.“Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood. Things can happen when kids are walking home. I was just trying to protect them," Bridgewater said.“I can’t change who I am. … I know what it’s like to walk those halls at Miami Northwestern and to have your stomach growling and rumbling at 12:00 in the afternoon because you didn’t have any lunch money or you don’t get the free lunch.”Bridgewater became the head coach for Miami Northwestern High School in 2023 shortly after retiring from the NFL. In his first season with the team, he helped the program win the Class 3A Florida High School Athletic Association state title.Teddy Bridgewater set to back up Baker Mayfield in Tampa BaySyndication: Palm Beach Post - Source: ImagnBridgewater hasn't played in the NFL since his brief stint with the Detroit Lions back in the 2023 season. He initially retired from playing to pursue coaching. However, with his Miami Northwestern days now behind him, Bridgewater has returned to the gridiron.He'll serve as the backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield, who led Tampa Bay to last season's wildcard round, where they were defeated by the Washington Commanders. Bridgewater has some playoff experience from his days with the Vikings and will be a formidable backup for Mayfield in a worst-case scenario. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to open their regular season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 7.