Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Wild Ride through the NFL
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s journey through the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Often dubbed the league’s ultimate journeyman, Fitzpatrick’s 17-year career saw him don the jerseys of nine different teams, each time stepping into roles that spanned from backup to starting quarterback. Fate seemed to favor him, placing him in pivotal situations that he often seized, even if just for a fleeting moment.
From his extended tenure in Buffalo to memorable bursts of brilliance in New York and Tampa Bay, Fitzpatrick’s career is a tapestry of highs and lows, punctuated by the fact that he never had the chance to start a playoff game. Here’s an in-depth exploration of Fitzpatrick’s NFL odyssey and the significant moments at each stop.
Fitzpatrick’s Team Timeline
St. Louis Rams (2005-06)
Fitzpatrick began his professional career as a seventh-round draft pick out of Harvard, a long shot destined for limited impact. However, his tenacity shone through when he won a competition for the Rams’ third-string quarterback role. After injuries struck both starters, Fitzpatrick made an impressive debut, throwing for 310 yards in an overtime victory, though he wasn’t credited with the win as he hadn’t started the game. His time in St. Louis was short-lived, with no further action in 2006.
Cincinnati Bengals (2007-08)
A trade to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007 offered Fitzpatrick a fresh start in exchange for a seventh-round pick. He spent his first year as a backup to Carson Palmer and was thrust into the starting role early in the 2008 season due to Palmer’s injury. Fitzpatrick started 12 games that year, finishing with a record of 4-7-1, including a three-game winning streak to close the season.
Buffalo Bills (2009-12)
Fitzpatrick’s career took a notable turn when he signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2009. Initially the backup to Trent Edwards, he took over the starting role later that season, showcasing flashes of potential despite inconsistent results. Under coach Chan Gailey, Fitzpatrick solidified his position, leading the Bills through three seasons where he threw at least 23 touchdown passes each year, even though the team never reached playoff contention.
Tennessee Titans (2013)
In 2013, Fitzpatrick joined the Tennessee Titans, stepping in as a backup to Jake Locker. When Locker suffered a season-ending injury, Fitzpatrick was called upon to lead the team. He finished the season with a 3-6 record, throwing 14 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, proving he could still be a reliable option.
Houston Texans (2014)
Fitzpatrick signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans in 2014, entering training camp as the starter. His initial stint was cut short after a couple of months when he was benched for Ryan Mallett. However, due to Mallett’s injury, Fitzpatrick returned and had a remarkable game, throwing six touchdown passes in one outing, ultimately finishing the season with a 6-6 record.
New York Jets (2015-16)
The New York Jets sought a veteran presence to complement Geno Smith in 2015, and Fitzpatrick fit the bill, especially with Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator. After Smith suffered a broken jaw due to an altercation with a teammate, Fitzpatrick stepped into the starting role. He delivered one of the best seasons by a Jets quarterback, throwing for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the team to 10 victories. However, inconsistency plagued him in 2016, leading to multiple benchings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18)
Fitzpatrick joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017 as a backup to Jameis Winston. He only started three games that year but found himself thrust into the spotlight when Winston was suspended. Fitzpatrick exploded onto the scene in 2018, throwing for over 400 yards in each of his first three games, making history with ten touchdowns during that stretch.
Miami Dolphins (2019-20)
In 2019, Fitzpatrick linked up with the Miami Dolphins, securing the starting role over Josh Rosen. He displayed resilience, finishing the season with 20 touchdowns, and maintaining his position despite a mid-season benching. In 2020, he initially beat out rookie Tua Tagovailoa for the starting job but eventually transitioned to a backup role, contributing when needed.
Washington Football Team (2021)
Fitzpatrick’s final stop came with the Washington Football Team, where he was named the starter over Taylor Heinicke. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a hip injury in the first game, leading him to retire the following offseason.
Fitzpatrick’s Career Stats
Throughout his career, Fitzpatrick recorded an impressive set of statistics, including:
Total Games Played: 147
Record: 59-87-1
Completion Rate: 60.7%
Total Passing Yards: 34,990
Touchdowns: 223
Interceptions: 169
Fitzmagic: The Rise of a Nickname
Fitzpatrick’s moniker “Fitzmagic” emerged from his unpredictable brilliance on the field. As a seventh-round pick from an Ivy League school, his ability to achieve sustained success was remarkable. Fitzpatrick’s memorable moments—like throwing six touchdowns for the Texans or leading the Jets to a remarkable season—solidified his reputation. His career was characterized by dazzling plays overshadowed by occasional missteps, encapsulating the essence of “Fitzmagic.”
In the end, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s career is a testament to perseverance and adaptability, showcasing a quarterback who made the most of every opportunity, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL landscape.
