NFL QUARTERBACK AND LOUISVILLE STANDOUT TO SPEAK AT LUNCHEON

March 31, 2026. Louisville, KY. – One of Louisville’s most recognizable football stars is returning to a city he considers home. 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.

“Teddy Bridgewater gave Louisville fans unforgettable moments during his time with the Cardinals,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “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. He was also voted the 2014 Pepsi Rookie of the Year by fans and has built a career defined by resilience, including overcoming a devastating knee injury early in his career.

Off the field, Bridgewater’s commitment to supporting young athletes has led to meaningful change. Through his work with his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, he mentored student-athletes and personally invested in their success, covering costs and providing support beyond the field. His advocacy and generosity ultimately 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.

His contributions have also been recognized in Kentucky. Bridgewater was inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 and honored with a place in the University of Louisville Athletics Ring of Honor that same year.

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. His standout collegiate career helped elevate the program nationally and led to his selection in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

“Louisville will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Bridgewater. “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 have entertained They’re Off! Luncheon audiences, 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 time-honored kick-off to each year’s Kentucky Derby Festival. It’s the second-oldest event on the Festival’s schedule. The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. on April 17 in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel – site of the festive event since 1974. 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 are still available for the They’re Off Luncheon. Tickets are $130 each or $1,040 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (502) 584-FEST or visit KDF.org.

BAE Systems is the Presenting Sponsor of the Luncheon. Contributing Sponsors: The Galt House Hotel and Kentucky Proud. Official Luxury Vehicle: Cadillac/Courtesy Cadillac. President’s Reception Sponsor: Davis Jewelers and PC3 Health. Supporting Sponsors: East & Westbrook Construction, Jeff’s Donuts and Luzianne Tea. Media Sponsor: Louisville Business First.