On May 22, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 178, better known as the Teddy Bridgewater Act. While the bill looks out for student-athlete welfare, fans are upset at the development, as football coaches have to bear costs. 

“Allowing middle and high school coaches to use up to $15k of their own funds to support student-athletes with food, transportation and recovery services,” a May 22 X post by Rivals shared.

This bill was proposed by Senator Shervin Jones (District 34) and is a result of Teddy Bridgewater’s dedication to his student.

It is named after Bridgewater, the former Miami Northwestern head coach who spent a lone season there in 2024.

According to Rivals, Bridgewater voluntarily spent “$700 per week for Uber rides, $1,300 per week for athletic recovery services and $2,200 per week for pre-game meals during the season.”

“I think everyone knows that I’m a cheerful guy, a cheerful giver, as well,” Bridgewater said last year, per The Atheletic. “And I’m a protector. I’m a father first, before anything. When I decided to coach, those players became my sons. I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can.”

He then asked the school, also his alma mater, to compensate him for the cost he had incurred, which led to the Detroit Lions quarterback’s suspension. 

Bridgewater’s impact on his student-athletes was apparent on the field, too. In that season, he led the Bulls to a 12-2 record and the Class 3A state championship. Although he violated the FHSAA, Bridgewater left a mark. 

DeSantis and his cabinet passed the new policy with a 38-0 unanimous vote, much to the disagreement of many football fans. 

Disapproving Football Fans Raise Concern Over The Teddy Bridgewater Act

Teddy Bridgewater’s dedication to the welfare of his former student-athletes is touching. However, football fans have concerns about the implications of the Teddy Bridgewater Act on other high school football head coaches.

Fans flooded the comment section of a May 22 X post by Rivals sharing this development.

“Honestly this is beyond dumb, coaches do NOT get paid enough in our state to spend 15K on students yearly. This bill should’ve been a 10K stipend to every HC to help children in need.” 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a High School Football Coach in Orlando is $43,527, as of May 24, 2026. While players are looked after, it leaves coaches in a precarious position.

One commented on the direction Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his cabinet took in the matter.

“He will sign anything as long as it takes away rights or if the government doesnt have to fund it.” 

Another critic pointed toward the Florida state government's role in the decision.

“How generous of the government to let people use their own money to help kids,” it read.

Some were concerned about the influence this act could have during recruiting. 

“Outstanding. This won't lead to fraud and a**** and it for sure addresses the most pressing needs of middle and high schools,” one replied.

“Now high schools are gonna be paying kids to transfer there, this was a mistake,” another wrote.

The new policy remains controversial as fans weigh athlete welfare against coach compensation. Do you agree with these comments? Share your take in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar