Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick (born November 24, 1982) is an American former professionalfootballquarterback who played in theNational Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. He started at quarterback for nine teams, the most in league history.[1] Fitzpatrick is also the only NFL player to have a passing touchdown with eight different teams.[2] Since retiring, he has served as an analyst forThursday Night Football onNFL on Prime Video.
Fitzpatrick playedcollege football for theHarvard Crimson, becoming the school's first quarterback to have over 1,000 rushing yards, and was selected by theSt. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the2005 NFL draft. Fitzpatrick's longest stint was with theBuffalo Bills for four seasons, while his only two winning seasons were with the 2015New York Jets and the 2020Miami Dolphins. As a member of theTampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018, Fitzpatrick became the first NFL quarterback to throw for over 400 yards in three consecutive games. He holds the most career passing yards and passing touchdowns among NFL quarterbacks without a postseason appearance.[3][4]
While an economics student atHarvard University, Fitzpatrick had five starts for theCrimson during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, working as the backup for Neil Rose.[5] In 2002, Fitzpatrick recorded 1,155 passing yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions to go along with 523 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
After Rose graduated in 2003, Fitzpatrick took over the starting job and finished his junior campaign with 1,770 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in seven games. Additionally, he ran for 430 yards and six touchdowns, leading his team to a 7–3 record.[6]
In 2004, Fitzpatrick was named theIvy League Player of the Year and winner of the George H. "Bulger" Lowe Award, as he accumulated 1,986 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Fitzpatrick also led Harvard to a 10–0 record, thus winning the Ivy League Championship.[7] He ranked second on the team with 448 rushing yards and five scores.
For his career, Fitzpatrick ranked third on Harvard's career list for pass completions, touchdowns, and passing yards. Fitzpatrick's 1,006 total plays for 6,721 yards in total offense broke the old school career records of 1,005 plays by Mike Giardi (1991–93) and 6,519 yards by Neil Rose. (His total plays record has since been surpassed.)[8] Fitzpatrick was also the school's first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 career yards.[9]
Like most incoming NFL rookies, Fitzpatrick took theWonderlic test. Fitzpatrick completed the test in nine minutes, with rumors indicating that he obtained a perfect score of 50.[10] However, a 2005The Wall Street Journal report said that Fitzpatrick scored a 48, which is still considered exceptionally high. While his actual score is unknown, Fitzpatrick has acknowledged leaving at least one question blank, making 49 his highest possible score.[11] To date, Fitzpatrick has the highest reported Wonderlic test score achieved among NFL quarterbacks. The only player to earn a verified perfect score on the Wonderlic was also a Harvard graduate:wide receiver/punterPat McInally, who played his entire career for theCincinnati Bengals.[12]
TheSt. Louis Rams selected Fitzpatrick in the seventh round (250th overall) of the2005 NFL draft. He was the last of 14 quarterbacks drafted in 2005.[16]
On July 18, 2005, the Rams signed Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $953,000 contract.[17] Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot againstJeff Smoker to be the Rams' third-string quarterback. Head coachMike Martz named Fitzpatrick the third-string quarterback on the depth chart to begin his rookie season, behindMarc Bulger andJamie Martin. Fitzpatrick was upgraded to the primary backup role in Week 6 after Bulger sustained a shoulder injury and was placed oninjured reserve.
On November 27, 2005, Fitzpatrick made his professional regular season debut after entering the game in the second quarter against theHouston Texans to replace injured veteran journeymanJamie Martin. Fitzpatrick completed 19 of 30 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns for a 117.4 quarterback rating and led the Rams from a 24–3 halftime deficit to a 33–27 overtime road victory.[18] He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.[19] This made Fitzpatrick one of only eight players who passed for more than 300 yards in their NFL debut. The win earned him the next three starts, making Fitzpatrick the first Harvard quarterback to start an NFL game.[20]
Fitzpatrick was unable to duplicate his debut performance in the games he started with the Rams coming two weeks later in a 27–13 road loss to theMinnesota Vikings, throwing for 235 yards and five interceptions for a quarterback rating of 32.4 for the game.[21] Fitzpatrick was replaced by Martin after halftime the following week, after struggling in a home game against thePhiladelphia Eagles in which he completed just 41.7% of his passes for a total of 69 yards.[22]
Fitzpatrick finished his rookie season completing 76 of 153 passes for 777 yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions to go along with 14 carries for 64 yards and two touchdowns in four games and three starts.[23]
In 2006, Fitzpatrick appeared in only one game, appearing late in the regular season finale against theMinnesota Vikings in relief ofMarc Bulger and ran out the clock in the 41–21 road victory.[24]
Arestricted free agent in the 2008 offseason, Fitzpatrick signed his one-year tender offer from the Bengals on April 17.
Due to an elbow injury to starting quarterbackCarson Palmer, Fitzpatrick made his first Bengals start on September 28, 2008, against theCleveland Browns. Fitzpatrick was not only the leading passer but also the leading rusher in the 20–12 loss, finishing with 156 passing yards, a touchdown, and three interceptions to go along with 41 rushing yards.[26] Palmer returned the next week to start against theDallas Cowboys, but once again had to sit the following week to rest his elbow.[27] On October 12, 2008, Fitzpatrick got the start against theNew York Jets and every other game for the rest of the season.
Fitzpatrick finished the season with 1,905 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions to go along with 60 carries for 304 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games and 12 starts.[28] His 304 rushing yards ranked third among quarterbacks behindTyler Thigpen andDavid Garrard.[29]
On February 27, 2009, Fitzpatrick signed a three-year, $7.4 million contract with theBuffalo Bills.[30]
Fitzpatrick made his first appearance on October 18, 2009, against theNew York Jets when starterTrent Edwards went down with an injury. Fitzpatrick threw for 116 yards, a touchdown, and an interception and led the Bills to a 16–13 overtime victory.[31] He started the following two games, resulting in a 20–9 road victory over theCarolina Panthers and a 31–10 loss to theHouston Texans.[32][33]
On November 18, 2009, Fitzpatrick was named the starter by interim head coachPerry Fewell who took over the coaching duties after former head coachDick Jauron was fired. Fitzpatrick went 3–3 as a starter under Fewell, throwing for 1,060 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions. Fitzpatrick went 5–4 in games where he had a majority of the playing time for a team that finished with a 6–10 record. During a Week 11 18–15 road loss to theJacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick threw a 98-yard touchdown pass toTerrell Owens, the longest touchdown reception and pass for both Owens and Fitzpatrick, also setting the team record for the longest touchdown pass.[34][35]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2009 season with 1,422 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions to go along with 31 carries for 141 yards and a touchdown in 10 games and eight starts.[36]
New head coachChan Gailey decided to go with Trent Edwards as the starter for the 2010 season, relegating Fitzpatrick to the backup role. On September 20, 2010, he was named the new starting quarterback following the Bills' 0–2 start.[37]
During a Week 11 49–31 comeback road victory over theCincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns, including three toStevie Johnson, and two interceptions.[38] Despite the Bills finishing at 4–12 (4–9 with him at quarterback), Fitzpatrick recorded at least one touchdown pass in 13 consecutive games and becoming the first Bills quarterback to pass for at least 3,000 yards in a season sinceJ. P. Losman in2006.[39]
Overall, Fitzpatrick finished the season with 3,000 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions to go along with 40 carries for 269 yards in 13 games and starts.[40]
During a Week 2 comeback 38–35 victory over theOakland Raiders, Fitzpatrick led the Bills to touchdown drives on five straight possessions in the second half.[41] It was the first time in league history a team had scored offensive touchdowns on five straight possessions in the second half.[42] He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.
On October 28, 2011, Fitzpatrick signed a six-year, $59 million contract extension including a $10 million signing bonus with the Bills.[43] He had three 300-yard performances in the 2011 season, with a season-high 369 yards during a Week 3 34–31 comeback victory over theNew England Patriots.[44]
After the 2011 season, it was revealed that Fitzpatrick had broken his ribs in a game against theWashington Redskins, which was presumably a factor in his decline in play over the rest of the season. Fitzpatrick finished the 2011 season with 3,832 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a league-leading 23 interceptions to go along with 56 carries for 215 yards in 16 games and starts.[45]
Fitzpatrick returned as the Bills' starter in 2012, finishing with 3,400 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions to go along with 48 carries for 197 yards and a touchdown in 16 games and starts.[46]
Following Chan Gailey's firing after the season, Bills general managerBuddy Nix was the victim of aprank call in which he inadvertently revealed that he was unhappy with Fitzpatrick's contract, stating "we just can't afford to pay that kind of money for a guy who's fighting for probably a backup job". Shortly after the leaked phone call was reported on byDeadspin, the team parted ways with Fitzpatrick, releasing him on March 12, 2013 before he was due a $3 million bonus.[47][48][49]
Despite the nature of his departure from the Bills and having a losing record with Buffalo, Fitzpatrick andBills Mafia continue to hold each other in high esteem. Upon his retirement, Fitzpatrick listed Buffalo as his "favorite place to play."[50]
"I don't know that I've ever felt more at home in a stadium or with a fanbase. I was in Buffalo for four years, but those are my people. I feel like I understand them and they understand me, and it was one of the great pleasures of my career playing there."
— Ryan Fitzpatrick reflecting on his time in Buffalo onAdam Schefter's podcast[51]
Sports Illustrated comments that Fitzpatrick remains a fan favorite in Buffalo due to the manner in which he connected with the fandom and integrated himself and his family with the Buffalo community during his time on the Bills.[52] Journalist Jerry Sullivan also notes that Fitzpatrick's resilience and passion endeared him to fans and that his tenure on the Bills cemented his playing style as a gunslinger.[50]
On March 18, 2013, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year contract with theTennessee Titans.[53]
During a Week 4 38–13 victory over theNew York Jets, Fitzpatrick made his Titans debut, replacing an injuredJake Locker in the third quarter. Fitzpatrick completed three of eight passes for 108 yards and a 77-yard touchdown pass toNate Washington.[54]
Fitzpatrick played in 11 games and started in nine of them. He finished the season with a 3–6 record as the starting quarterback, beating division rivalsJacksonville Jaguars andHouston Texans in the final two games of the season. Fitzpatrick completed the season throwing for 2,454 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions to go along with 43 carries for 225 yards and three touchdowns.[55]
On March 18, 2014, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year contract with theHouston Texans.[57] He was named the Texans' starting quarterback by new head coachBill O'Brien on June 17,[58] but was demoted to second on the Texans' depth chart on November 5, being replaced byRyan Mallett.
On November 23, 2014, Mallett tore his pectoral muscle and Fitzpatrick was renamed the starter.[59] During a Week 13 45–21 victory over theTennessee Titans, Fitzpatrick threw for 358 yards and a franchise-record six touchdowns and 358 yards for a 147.5passer rating.[60] He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the Titans.[61] Two weeks later against theIndianapolis Colts, Fitzpatrick scrambled for a two-yard gain in the second quarter, was tripped up, and left the eventual 17–10 loss with a fractured left tibia, ending his season. Fitzpatrick was replaced by rookieTom Savage, who also received a minor injury.[62]
Fitzpatrick finished 2014 the season with 2,483 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and eight interceptions for a then career-high 95.3 passer rating to go along with 50 carries for 184 yards and two touchdowns and a 6–6 record as the starting quarterback for the Texans.[63]
On March 11, 2015, Fitzpatrick was traded to theNew York Jets for a late-round conditional draft pick in the2015 NFL draft.[64][65] The move reunited Fitzpatrick with his former head coach Chan Gailey, who was hired during the off-season as the Jets offensive coordinator and play-caller. Following an incident in the locker room, in which starting quarterbackGeno Smith suffered a broken jaw after being punched by linebackerIK Enemkpali, Fitzpatrick was tentatively named the Week 1 starter for the Jets.[66]
Making his first start for the Jets in the season-opening 31–10 victory over theCleveland Browns, Fitzpatrick threw for 179 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the 31–10 victory.[67] In the next game against theIndianapolis Colts onMonday Night Football, he threw for 244 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception as the Jets won on the road by a score of 20–7.[68] The following week against thePhiladelphia Eagles, Fitzpatrick threw for 283 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the 17–24 loss.[69] During a Week 4 27–14 victory over theMiami Dolphins atWembley Stadium in London, Fitzpatrick threw for 218 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.[70] Two weeks later against theWashington Redskins, Fitzpatrick threw for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception while also rushing for 31 yards and a touchdown in the 34–20 victory.[71] During a Week 7 30–23 road loss to theNew England Patriots, Fitzpatrick threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns.[72]
During the first quarter of a Week 8 34–20 loss to theOakland Raiders, Fitzpatrick suffered torn ligaments in his left thumb while scrambling and did not play for the remainder of the game, being relieved by Geno Smith. Fitzpatrick underwent thumb surgery two days later and stated that he would still start.[73] In the next game against theJacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick threw for 272 yards with two touchdowns as the Jets won by a score of 28–23.[74] The following week onThursday Night Football against theBuffalo Bills, he threw for 193 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Jets lost by a score 22–17.[75] During a Week 11 24–17 road loss to theHouston Texans, Fitzpatrick had 216 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions to go along with five carries for 12 yards and a touchdown.[76]
During a Dolphins rematch in Week 12, Fitzpatrick made his 100th career start by throwing for 277 yards and four touchdowns in the 38–20 victory.[77] In the next game againstinterconference-rivalNew York Giants, Fitzpatrick threw for 390 yards and two touchdowns as the Jets won on the road by a score of 23–20 in overtime.[78] The following week against theTennessee Titans, he had 263 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 30–8 victory to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.[79][80] During a Week 15 19–16 road victory over theDallas Cowboys, Fitzpatrick threw for 299 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.[81] This was Fitzpatrick's ninth win of the season as a starter, securing his first winning season as a starting quarterback.[82] In the next game against the Patriots, Fitzpatrick finished with 296 passing yards and three touchdowns, including an overtime drive that gave the Jets a game-winning touchdown for a 26–20 victory.[83] For his effort against the Patriots, Fitzpatrick earned another AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.[84] In the regular-season finale against the Bills, Fitzpatrick threw for 181 yards, two touchdowns, and three costly interceptions (all in the fourth quarter) as the Jets lost on the road by a score of 22–17 and were eliminated from playoff contention after thePittsburgh Steelers defeated theCleveland Browns, despite finishing the year with a 10–6 record.[85]
Having started in all 16 games of the 2015 season, Fitzpatrick finished with 3,905 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, breakingVinny Testaverde's 1998 franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season. Fitzpatrick also had 60 carries for 270 yards and two touchdowns.[86][87]
Fitzpatrick, a free agent after the 2015 season, signed a one-year fully guaranteed $12 million contract with the Jets on July 27, 2016.[88]
During the narrow season-opening 23–22 loss to theCincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.[89] In the next game onThursday Night Football against theBuffalo Bills, he gradually improved with 374 passing yards and a touchdown, leading the Jets to a 37–31 victory to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.[90][91] The following week against theKansas City Chiefs, the Jets committed eight turnovers, including Fitzpatrick throwing six interceptions. Fitzpatrick finished with 188 passing yards as the Jets lost on the road by a score of 24–3.[92] During a Week 6 28–3 road loss to theArizona Cardinals, Fitzpatrick was benched for Geno Smith after going 16-for-31 for 174 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.[93]
Smith was then named the starter for the next game against theBaltimore Ravens.[94] However, he suffered a season-ending injury and was replaced by Fitzpatrick in the second quarter.[95][96] Fitzpatrick then started the team's next two games against theCleveland Browns andMiami Dolphins before sitting out against theLos Angeles Rams due to injury.[97]Bryce Petty started in his place even though Fitzpatrick was still active for the game as the backup.[98] Fitzpatrick then returned from his injury to start the next two games against theNew England Patriots andIndianapolis Colts.[97] However, during the Colts game, he was benched for Petty to start the second half.[99]
Petty was then named the starter for the final four games of the season. Jets head coachTodd Bowles said, "The plan was for us to start him the last four games anyway, so we just started a half early."[100] Petty then started the next three games against theSan Francisco 49ers,Miami Dolphins, andNew England Patriots.[101] During the Dolphins game, Fitzpatrick relieved Petty due to injury early in the fourth quarter.[102] Petty also suffered an injury in the Patriots game and was replaced by Fitzpatrick in the second quarter.[103] Due to Petty's injury, Fitzpatrick started in the regular season finale, completing 20 of 30 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns as the Jets beat the Bills by a score of 30–10.[104]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2016 season with 2,710 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions to go along with 33 carries for 130 yards in 14 games and 11 starts.[105]
On February 15, 2017, Fitzpatrick's contract was voided, and he became a free agent.[106]
During a Week 6 38–33 road loss to theArizona Cardinals, Fitzpatrick entered the game after starterJameis Winston suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter. Fitzpatrick finished the game by completing 22 of 32 passes for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.[111] Three weeks later against theNew Orleans Saints, Fitzpatrick entered the game after Winston suffered another shoulder injury, completing eight of 15 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in the 30–10 road loss.[112] On November 6, head coachDirk Koetter said that Winston would miss at least two weeks to rest his shoulder.[113] Fitzpatrick started in Week 10 against his former team, theNew York Jets, throwing for 187 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Buccaneers won by a score of 15–10.[114] In the next game against theMiami Dolphins, Fitzpatrick threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns as the Buccaneers won on the road by a score of 30–20.[115] The following week against theAtlanta Falcons, he threw for 283 yards as the Buccaneers lost on the road by a score of 34–20.[116]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2017 season with 1,103 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions to go along with 15 carries for 78 yards in six games and three starts.[117]
On March 9, 2018, Fitzpatrick signed a one-year contract extension with the Buccaneers.[118] StarterJameis Winston was handed a three-game suspension, making Fitzpatrick the Buccaneers' starting quarterback to begin the season.
During the season-opening 48–40 road victory over theNew Orleans Saints, Fitzpatrick completed 21 of 28 passes for a career-high 417 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 36 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a 156.2 quarterback rating.[119] He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.[120] In the next game against thePhiladelphia Eagles, Fitzpatrick completed 27 of 33 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns, finishing with a 144.4 quarterback rating despite an interception (which was after a juggle his receiver made) as the Buccaneers won by a score of 27–21.[121] He earned his second consecutive NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.[122] Fitzpatrick's unexpectedly incredible performance during the first two weeks of the season revived his "Fitzmagic" nickname. The following week against thePittsburgh Steelers onMonday Night Football, Fitzpatrick finished with 411 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions as the Buccaneers lost by a score of 30–27.[123] He became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards in three consecutive games.[124] During a Week 4 48–10 road loss to theChicago Bears, Fitzpatrick's performance regressed as he only threw for 126 yards and an interception. Fitzpatrick was replaced by Winston, who had just been reinstated from a three-game suspension.[125]
During a Week 8 37–34 road loss to theCincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick relieved Winston at the end of the third quarter after Winston was benched after throwing for 276 yards, a touchdown, and four interceptions. Fitzpatrick completed 11 of 15 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns to tie the game 34–34 with 1:05 left in the game after being down 34–16, but the Bengals would then drive down the field and kick a game-winning field goal as time expired.[126] The next day, the Buccaneers named Fitzpatrick their starting quarterback.[127] In the next game against theCarolina Panthers, he threw for 243 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Buccaneers lost on the road by a score of 42–28.[128] The following week against theWashington Redskins, Fitzpatrick had his fourth 400-yard passing game of the season, throwing for 406 yards and two interceptions, which tiedDan Marino andPeyton Manning for the single-season record as the Buccaneers lost by a score of 16–3.[129] During a narrow Week 11 38–35 road loss to theNew York Giants, Fitzpatrick was benched for Winston again in the second half after throwing for 167 yards and three interceptions in what would be his final appearance of the 2018 season.[130]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2018 season with 2,366 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions for a career-high passer rating of 100.4 to go along with 36 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns in eight games and seven starts.[131]
On March 18, 2019, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year, $11 million contract with theMiami Dolphins.[132][133] He was named the Dolphins starting quarterback overJosh Rosen.[134]
During the season-opening 59–10 loss to theBaltimore Ravens, Fitzpatrick threw for 185 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.[135] In the next game against theNew England Patriots, he threw for 89 yards and was intercepted thrice, with two being pick-sixes, before being benched for Rosen in the 43–0 shutout loss.[136] After the game, Dolphins' head coachBrian Flores said that Fitzpatrick would still be the starter in Week 3 against theDallas Cowboys,[137] but on September 19, prior to the game, Rosen was named the starter, sending Fitzpatrick to the bench.[138]
During a narrow Week 6 17–16 loss to theWashington Redskins, Fitzpatrick relieved Rosen after the latter was benched for poor performance. Fitzpatrick threw for 132 yards and a touchdown. After leading Miami to a last-minute touchdown, he attempted a two-point conversion pass toKenyan Drake, who dropped it, sealing the loss for Miami.[139] Fitzpatrick started the next game against theBuffalo Bills, his former team, leading the Dolphins to a 14–9 halftime lead. However, after he threw an interception to cornerbackTre'Davious White, the Bills rallied in the fourth quarter to win. Fitzpatrick finished the 31–21 road loss with 282 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception to go along with six carries for 13 yards and a touchdown.[140] Two weeks later against another of his former teams, theNew York Jets, Fitzpatrick threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns as the Dolphins won their first game of the season by a score of 26–18.[141] During a Week 13 37–31 victory over thePhiladelphia Eagles, he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.[142] Three weeks later against theCincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 419 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception as the Dolphins won by a score of 38–35 in overtime.[143] He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Bengals.[144] In the regular season finale against the Patriots, Fitzpatrick threw for 320 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 15 yards and a touchdown during the 27–24 road victory. The win denied the Patriots a first-round bye for the first time since 2009. He also played against Tom Brady in his final regular season game as a Patriot, as Brady would sign with theTampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason. Fitzpatrick is also the only quarterback to defeat Tom Brady with all the Patriots’ division rivals.[145]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2019 season with 3,529 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions to go along with 54 carries for 243 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games and 13 starts.[146] He ended up being the team's leading rusher for the 2019 season.[147]
On September 7, 2020, Fitzpatrick was confirmed to have won the Dolphins starting job for the second year in a row after beating out rookie quarterbackTua Tagovailoa in training camp.[148]
During the season-opening 21–11 road loss against theNew England Patriots, Fitzpatrick threw for 191 yards and three interceptions.[149] In the next game against theBuffalo Bills, he had 328 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Dolphins lost by a score of 31–28.[150] The following week against theJacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns to go along with seven carries for 38 yards and a touchdown during the 31–13 victory. In doing so, he extended his NFL record for wins against a single opponent with different teams to six.[151] Fitzpatrick also joinedWalter Payton as the only players since 1948 to finish with two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, 20 rushing yards, and a reception in the same game.[152]
During a Week 5 43–17 road victory over theSan Francisco 49ers, Fitzpatrick threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns.[153] In the next game against one of his former teams, theNew York Jets, Fitzpatrick threw for 191 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions during the 24–0 shutout victory.[154] Two days later on October 20, Brian Flores named Tagovailoa the team's starting quarterback for the Week 8 matchup against theLos Angeles Rams following the bye week.[155]
During a Week 11 20–13 road loss to theDenver Broncos, Fitzpatrick relieved Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter after he was benched for poor performance. During the game, Fitzpatrick threw for 117 yards and an interception.[156] Fitzpatrick was named the Dolphins' starting quarterback for the next game against the Jets after Tagovailoa jammed his thumb in practice.[157] During that game, Fitzpatrick threw for 257 yards and a touchdown in the 20–3 road victory.[158]
During a narrow Week 16 26–25 road victory over theLas Vegas Raiders, Fitzpatrick was brought in to relieve Tagovailoa early in the fourth quarter after the latter was benched. Fitzpatrick led a game-winning drive where he foundMack Hollins for a 34-yard completion down while having his face mask pulled with 19 seconds left in the game and down 25–23 with no timeouts. The pass, coupled with the 15-yard face mask penalty, led to a game-winning field goal byJason Sanders. Fitzpatrick finished the game throwing for 182 yards and a 59-yard touchdown toMyles Gaskin.[159][160] On December 31, 2020, Fitzpatrick was placed on the Dolphins' reserve/COVID-19 list.[161] Without Fitzpatrick available, the Dolphins lost their Week 17 rematch with the Bills on the road by a score of 56–26 with Tagovailoa at quarterback and were eliminated from postseason contention when theIndianapolis Colts won later that day.[162] Fitzpatrick was activated from the list on January 11, 2021.[163]
Fitzpatrick finished the 2020 season with 2,091 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions to go along with 30 carries for 151 yards and two touchdowns in nine games and seven starts.[164]
Fitzpatrick started in the season-opening 20–16 loss to theLos Angeles Chargers, but suffered a hipsubluxation during the second quarter, which resulted in his being placed oninjured reserve and missing the rest of the season.[166][167] Due to his brief tenure, Fitzpatrick did not have any touchdowns or interceptions with Washington, the only time he did not do so with a team he played for.[168]
Only player to pass for a touchdown against one opponent (Eagles) with seven different franchises (Rams, Bengals, Bills, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers, Dolphins) in his career.[182]
Only player to rush for a touchdown for eight different teams (Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers, Dolphins)
On June 21, 2022, it was announced that Fitzpatrick would become a pre-game and postgame analyst forAmazon'sThursday Night Football.[189]
In 2023, Fitzpatrick became a spokesman forDraftKings.[190] The following year, Fitzpatrick, along with fellow NFL alumnus andThursday Night Football analystAndrew Whitworth, launched theFitz & Whit podcast under Wave Sports + Entertainment.[191]
On June 24, 2006, Fitzpatrick married Liza Barber, who he met while they were students at Harvard.[192] The couple have three sons and four daughters.[193] Fitzpatrick never removes hiswedding ring, including during games; he stated in a 2011 interview it was "important for [him] not to take it off".[194] He was named the fifth-smartest athlete in sports bySporting News in 2010.[195]
Fitzpatrick is known for his beard, which he began growing out during his time with the Bills in the 2010s. Fitzpatrick has jokingly referred to himself as "the Amish Rifle."[196]
Fitzpatrick continues to support the Bills, attending the Bills' wild card playoff game against theNew England Patriots in 2021 where he took off his shirt in the stands despite freezing weather.[197] Fitzpatrick has repeated the feat twice to the pleasure of Bills fans, once while interviewingJosh Allen after aThursday Night Football game,[198] and again while "leading the charge" before a 2024 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.[199] Fitzpatrick names Allen as his favorite quarterback to watch.[200]
^David Smith, Michael (March 20, 2014)."Texans sign Ryan Fitzpatrick".Pro Football Talk.Archived from the original on March 21, 2014. RetrievedMarch 20, 2014.
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