Charlotte Hornets: Matching Hornets with their NFL paralells

Matching Hornets with their NFL parallels: Gordon Hayward and Teddy Bridgewater 

The solid veteran with an inspiring return from a major injury

In 2017, Gordon Hayward was coming off of an All-Star season and entered the season with high expectations as the prize free agent acquisition of the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, Hayward would suffer a gruesome leg injury just minutes into his debut, and his time in Boston quickly turned in a different direction as young players such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerged in his absence.

In 2016, Teddy Bridgewater was coming off of a Pro Bowl selection and entered the season with high expectations after leading the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs the previous season. Unfortunately, Bridgewater would suffer a torn ACL in the preseason and went on to miss the entire 2016 season and the majority of the 2017 season. By the time Bridgewater was fully recovered from his injury, the Vikings had decided to move on and signed Kirk Cousins to be their new franchise quarterback.

While neither player has been able to make it back to an All-Star game or a Pro Bowl, they have both rebounded and have proven to be solid veteran pieces for their respective teams. In the 2020-21 season, Hayward posted statistics that were comparable to his All-Star season, while Bridgewater’s 2020 season saw him post career highs in completions, completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.

Unfortunately, both have continued to deal with injuries, as Hayward suffered a foot sprain that prematurely ended his first season in Charlotte while Bridgewater currently finds himself in the NFL’s concussion protocol. However, both provide a steady veteran presence and dependable production when they are healthy.