Teddy Bridgewater Has A Big Fan In Daunte Culpepper
By Adam Carlson
In May, I wrote an article about Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater meeting former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper at the 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere. A shared photo showed the two having a casual conversation outside of the meetings. One thing we can now know for sure is that Teddy Bridgewater made a great impression on Culpepper.
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings honor former quarterback Daunte Culpepper before the game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Boster of the Pioneer Press posted a great article with some quotes by Culpepper about Bridgewater. Here’s what he had to say:
"“The Vikings got a gem in the draft (in) Teddy Bridgewater. I love Cassel’s game. Teddy’s gonna learn a lot from him. Ponder, he has a lot of ability as well. But the future is Teddy. He’s gonna be the guy. It’s just gonna be a matter of him maturing.”"
Daunte knew well before speaking with Bridgewater that he enjoyed his game. Culpepper attended the Louisville vs UCF game where Bridgewater had a fantastic game in a heartbreaking loss.
"“In college, he played the game so effortlessly, he made the game look so easy. To do that, it takes skill.”"
Near the end of the article, we finally got to hear what kind of advice Culpepper had for Bridgewater at the 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Here’s what he said to the young QB:
"“Just keep doing what you’re doing, man, just keep working. I could see it in you, you’re a hard worker. Just play the game like you know how to play it, and take it all in. And love every second of it.”"
While Teddy Bridgewater still has to prove himself on the NFL field, it’s always nice to hear veterans of the game praising a young man. Especially when that man is a former Minnesota Viking like Daunte Culpepper.