NFL QB Teddy Bridgewater calls out ‘gangsta’ athletes for setting bad example

“Tired of seeing football players portray this tough guy image or pretend he’s a gangsta,” Bridgewater wrote in a lengthy message posted to Instagram on Monday. “You went to school, attended those classes, and some even got their college degree.”

“Don’t wait until you inherit this legal money from the league to decide you want to be tough or portray a ‘street image’ cause it’s kids that’s looking up to everything we do,” the quarterback added.

Bridgewater then addressed young fans, encouraging them not to be misled.

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(AP Photo/Mary Holt)

“Kids don’t be fooled. You can play ball, do the right thing, and they still gonna accept you,” Bridgewater wrote. “My people accept me for making all the right decisions and not falling victim or being tricked by the false image you see on IG from a lot of ball players.”

He ended his message with a directive: “Choose your path. Can’t do both though.”

Fellow athletes and fans endorsed Bridgewater’s message.

“Bruh hit this one from long distance,” former New York Jets player Bilal Powell said.

Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur called Bridgewater’s post “wisdom.”

“Best post ever,” a fan wrote. “As a father of a young son who absolutely adores sports and naturally professional athletes, I’m thankful for your post. Kids need to see this. Not enough of this going around these days.”

Bridgewater’s message was also shared on Twitter, earning praise.

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Bridgewater has also been commended for his charitable contributions off the field, including delivering books to the Boys and Girls Club, distributing toys to children in his neighborhood, and supporting cancer research.