NFL QB Teddy Bridgewater to Headline Derby Festival Luncheon

The former Louisville star will speak at the annual They're Off luncheon ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:11pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-throw motion, with sharp planes of color representing the University of Louisville and Carolina Panthers team colors.The vibrant, geometric illustration captures the dynamic energy of Teddy Bridgewater's playing style, honoring the former Louisville star's return to his college town.Louisville Today

NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who had a standout career at the University of Louisville, will be the featured speaker at the annual They're Off luncheon during the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville.

Why it matters

Bridgewater's appearance at the Derby Festival luncheon is a high-profile homecoming for the former Louisville star, who remains a beloved figure in the city after leading the Cardinals to success during his college days.

The details

The They're Off luncheon is a longstanding tradition that kicks off the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville. Bridgewater, who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers, will address the crowd and share stories from his time at Louisville, where he was a Heisman Trophy finalist and led the Cardinals to a Sugar Bowl victory.

  • The They're Off luncheon will take place on April 25, 2026, two weeks before the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

The players

Teddy Bridgewater

An NFL quarterback who played college football at the University of Louisville, where he was a standout player and led the Cardinals to success.

Kentucky Derby Festival

An annual two-week celebration in Louisville, Kentucky leading up to the Kentucky Derby horse race.

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What’s next

Tickets for the They're Off luncheon featuring Teddy Bridgewater will go on sale to the public on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Bridgewater's appearance at the Kentucky Derby Festival luncheon is a chance for the former Louisville star to reconnect with the city and fans who cheered him on during his college days, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in the community.