Ryan Fitzpatrick’s NFL career is a lesson in perseverance. The 2005 seventh-round pick had everything working against him on paper, but he still managed to play 17 seasons in the league.
On Thursday, Fitzpatrick, 39, retired after stints with nine different teams. He started for all of them, despite being the NFL’s most notable nomad QB. Like a rolling stone, Fitzpatrick would serve as a fringe starter, fill-in No. 1, or a veteran backup for a short period and then move on.
While not all of his stops were memorable, he certainly left an impression on NFL fans throughout his journey.
The 7 greatest moments of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s career
By most NFL standards, Fitzpatrick was a long shot to last in the league. He wasn’t a particularly compelling athlete and was nearly undrafted. At Harvard, Fitzpatrick’s appeal came from his intelligence and leadership, but those intangibles can only get a player so far. Still, Fitzpatrick endured and preserved as he and his family consistently changed their addresses.
Along the way, Fitzpatrick put together several memorable moments over the years. Below are his seven greatest hits.
A promising debut
As a rookie, Fitzpatrick spent the first half of his debut season as the then-St. Louis Rams’ third-string QB. However, due to injuries, he eventually worked his way up the depth chart and replaced an injured Jamie Martin against the Houston Texans in Week 12. The Rams were down 24-3 when Fitzpatrick first stepped on the field, but he led St. Louis to a comeback overtime win, 33-27.
Fitzpatrick won the NFC Rookie of the Week award after throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback victory.
Making a TD moment with TO
Believe it or not, Fitzpatrick’s longest touchdown throw is also Hall of Fame wideout Terrell Owens’ longest career reception. The pair hooked up on a 98-yard score against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009. The Bills ultimately lost to the Jaguars, 18-15, but the highlight was a pretty special play for both NFL mainstays.
Six TDs vs. the Titans
Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans Week 13 NFL Highlights – YouTube
After bouncing around from the Rams to the Bengals to the Bills to the Titans, Fitzpatrick signed a deal with the Texans in 2014. During his one season with Houston, Fitzpatrick set the franchise record for touchdown passes in a game. After being benched for Ryan Mallett, Fitzpatrick regained the starting job due to injury and led the Texans to a 45-21 win over the Titans, his former team, in Week 13. During the matchup, Fitzpatrick threw for 358 yards and an eye-opening six touchdowns.
Capping his only winning season
Patriots vs. Jets | Week 16 Highlights | NFL – Youtube
Despite playing in the league for 17 seasons, Fitzpatrick only posted one season-long winning record during his career. In 2015, Fitzpatrick started all 16 games for the Jets and produced a 10-6 record. He ended the year with 3,905 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
In Week 16, Fitzpatrick led the Jets to their 10th win of the season, defeating the Patriots, 26-20, while posting 296 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Lighting up the champs, then riding out in style
After putting up 417 passing yards and four touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 of 2018, Fitzpatrick and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed the defending Super Bowl champions their first loss of the season in Week 2. Facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home, Fitzpatrick threw for 402 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in a 27-21 win.
Following the matchup, Fitzpatrick made headlines due to his fantastic post-game attire.
Final win as a starter
Dolphins vs. Jets Week 12 Highlights | NFL 2020 – YouTube
Following his time with the Bucs, Fitzpatrick headed south to join the Miami Dolphins.
In 2020, Fitzpatrick was leading the Dolphins against one of his former teams, the Jets, and looking to get what would be the final win of his starting career. The veteran was steady throughout the Week 12 matchup, producing 257 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Following the win, Fitzpatrick was sent back to the bench in favor of rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Keeping his head vs. Raiders
Ryan Fitzpatrick makes the throw of the year – YouTube
In Week 16 of the 2020 campaign, Fitzpatrick was still serving as the backup to Tagovailoa, and he was thrust into action against the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Trailing 25-23 with 16 seconds remaining, Fitzpatrick made a throw that will stick with his NFL career for the rest of time. As he threw, Fitzpatrick had his facemask yanked to the side. The helmet’s earhole was essentially in the QB’s face as he tossed to wideout Mack Hollins for a 34-yard gain.
The Dolphins then received an extra 15 yards for the facemask penalty and were set up well within range for kicker Jason Sanders to nail a game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired.