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📜🏈 The Florida Senate has unanimously passed the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” a bill designed to give K-12 coaches more flexibility to directly support student-athletes in need. The measure now advances to the Florida House of Representatives and ultimately to Ron DeSantis for final approval.
Named after NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the bill would allow coaches to spend up to $15,000 of their own money each year to assist student-athletes with essentials such as food, transportation, and recovery-related services. The legislation was introduced in response to Bridgewater’s own experience while coaching at the high-school level, where questions reportedly arose about financial assistance provided to players.
Supporters say the bill acknowledges the reality many coaches face: stepping in personally to ensure their athletes have basic needs met so they can fully participate in sports and academics. In underserved communities especially, barriers like transportation costs, proper nutrition, and access to recovery tools can significantly impact performance and well-being. Lawmakers backing the measure argue that the act provides clear guidelines and protections for coaches who choose to help, preventing misunderstandings or compliance issues.
The unanimous vote in the Senate signals bipartisan agreement on the importance of supporting youth athletics. Proponents emphasize that the bill does not require coaches to spend their own money, but simply permits them to do so within defined limits. By formalizing the allowance, legislators aim to remove ambiguity and protect both educators and students.
Now, attention turns to the Florida House, where lawmakers will debate and vote on the proposal. If approved there, it will head to Governor DeSantis’ desk for signature. Should it become law, the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” would take effect statewide, potentially setting a precedent for how other states address similar situations.
The bill reflects a broader conversation about equity in school sports and the role coaches often play beyond the field. For many student-athletes, coaches are mentors, advocates, and support systems. This legislation seeks to empower them to continue that support — within clearly defined legal boundaries.
