Get ready, Louisville. There’s a big name heading back to town.
NFL quarterback and former University of Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be the featured speaker at the 2026 They’re Off! Luncheon Presented by BAE Systems, the annual corporate kickoff for the Kentucky Derby Festival, held this year on Friday, April 17. The luncheon is typical held the day before the festival’s marquee event, Thunder Over Louisville, which takes off on April 18.
“Teddy Bridgewater gave Louisville fans unforgettable moments during his time with the Cardinals,” Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO, said in a news release. “His story of perseverance and leadership has inspired fans across the country, and we’re excited to welcome him back to help kick off this year’s festival.”
A Miami native, Bridgewater continues to make an impact both on and off the field. Now entering his 12th NFL season, he is returning to the Detroit Lions, adding to a career that includes a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings and recognition on the 2014 NFL All-Rookie Team, the release states. He was also voted the 2014 Pepsi Rookie of the Year by fans.
Bridgewater’s commitment to young athletes has also led to meaningful change, through work at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he mentored student-athletes and invested in their success, covering costs and providing support beyond the field, the release states.
His advocacy and generosity inspired the passage of the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” (Senate Bill 178) in 2026, allowing K–12 coaches in Florida to contribute to student needs without penalty. He also leads the Be The Bridge Foundation, which supports student-athletes and youth programs, and has covered registration fees for hundreds of young football players in his hometown of Miami Gardens, according to the release.
In 2024, Bridgewater was inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and honored with a place in the University of Louisville Athletics Ring of Honor.
Bridgewater played at the University of Louisville from 2011–2013, leading the Cardinals to a Big East Championship and a victory in the 2013 Sugar Bowl. During his time as a Cardinal, he was named Big East Rookie of the Year, a Freshman All-American and later Big East Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named MVP of both the 2013 Sugar Bowl and Russell Athletic Bowl, and twice earned the Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award in the Governor’s Cup rivalry game against Kentucky, according to the release.
“Louisville will always hold a special place in my heart,” Bridgewater said in the release. “Some of the most meaningful moments of my career happened here, and I’m honored to return and help kick off the Derby Festival.”
Bridgewater joins a long list of sports legends who’ve been featured speakers at the popular They’re Off! Luncheon, including Pat Kelsey, Denny Crum, Rick Pitino, Magic Johnson, Terry Bradshaw, Archie Manning, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Boomer Esiason, Dick Vitale, Terrell Davis and Howard Schnellenberger.
The They’re Off! Luncheon, first held in 1957, serves as the kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. on April 17 in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel. This year’s event will also feature the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Silver Horseshoe Award and Louisville Tourism Impact Award.
Tickets for the luncheon are $130 or $1,040 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 502-584-FEST or visit KDF.org.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Teddy Bridgewater speaker Kentucky Derby Festival They’re Off luncheon
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