Teddy Bridgewater has built a name as one of football’s most resilient quarterbacks, navigating injuries and comebacks while commanding respect across the National Football League. Now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his return to the field this August after briefly stepping away from the game in 2023 has reignited fan excitement and headlines alike. Yet, behind his steady rise and unwavering composure stands someone who’s quietly been part of his story since the very beginning.

That someone is Erika Cardona, Bridgewater’s longtime girlfriend and a children’s book author whose creative work has been inspired by his journey. From high school sweethearts to navigating career highs and personal health scares, Cardona has remained a steady force in his life. As Bridgewater plots his next chapter on the gridiron, Cardona continues to carve her own path in classrooms and bookstores.

Who Is Teddy Bridgewater’s Girlfriend, Erika Cardona?

Cardona grew up in Miami, Florida, and has always maintained a low profile despite her partner’s fame in the NFL. She’s known for her beloved “Little Bear Teddy” series, which is inspired by Bridgewater’s real-life resilience.

Their love story dates back to their teenage years. Through career-altering injuries, comebacks, and coaching changes, Cardona has been Bridgewater’s unwavering support. While he dons the Buccaneers uniform, she continues to inspire young readers with heartfelt tales rooted in hope and perseverance.

Although the couple keeps their relationship mostly private, Cardona has occasionally shared how Bridgewater’s determination has influenced her own life, especially during his devastating knee injury in 2016. That injury ignited the spark for her debut book and set her on a whole new creative journey.

Over the years, Cardona has been spotted at Bridgewater’s NFL games alongside his family, including his mother, Rose Murphy, a breast cancer survivor who raised Bridgewater and his three siblings as a single parent.

When and Where Did Teddy Bridgewater and Erika Cardona Meet?

Bridgewater and Cardona’s journey began back at Miami Northwestern High School, where they first crossed paths as freshmen.

While Bridgewater quickly rose as a star quarterback, Cardona quietly cheered from the stands. They never chased headlines or turned their relationship into a spectacle, choosing to stay out of the limelight.

Their bond only strengthened as Bridgewater’s football journey took him across the country. From the Minnesota Vikings to the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and now the Buccaneers. Cardona stayed in the background through every move, supporting him quietly while carving her own path.

What Does Erika Cardona Do For a Living?

Cardona is a teacher by training and an author by passion. With a degree in Early Childhood Education, she has dedicated years to working with children.

In 2017, she published Little Bear Teddy: Big Dreams Come True, a children’s book she started writing while Bridgewater was recovering from his 2016 preseason knee injury—a torn ACL, dislocated knee joint, and multiple structural damages. She completed the first draft while sitting in the hospital with him.

The story features a character inspired by Bridgewater, using his experiences to teach kids about determination and resilience. It eventually became the first book in a series that now includes Big Change and Big Dreams Come True. Cardona shared that Big Change was influenced by the ups and downs of Bridgewater’s football career and her own unexpected thyroid biopsy.

Her books often come with Bridgewater’s autograph. Cardona has said she hopes children see Bridgewater’s story the same way she did—as proof that setbacks can spark strength.

Interestingly, despite the growing popularity of her books, Cardona has stayed away from social media, once saying she prefers to live “a real life.” Yet, her work has quietly reached classrooms and libraries across the country, turning her into a source of inspiration for young readers navigating their own challenges.