Ryan Fitzpatrick
{{Short description|American football player and television analyst}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Ryan Fitzpatrick
| image = Ryan Fitzpatrick Thursday Night Football DEC2023 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Fitzpatrick in 2023
| current_team =
| number = 12, 11, 14, 4
| position = Quarterback
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|11|24|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Gilbert, Arizona, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 228
| high_school = Highland (Gilbert, Arizona)
| college = Harvard (2001–2004)
| draftyear = 2005
| draftround = 7
| draftpick = 250
| pastteams =
- St. Louis Rams ({{NFL Year|2005|2006}})
- Cincinnati Bengals ({{NFL Year|2007|2008}})
- Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2009|2012}})
- Tennessee Titans ({{NFL Year|2013}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2014}})
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2015|2016}})
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2017|2018}})
- Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2019|2020}})
- Washington Football Team ({{NFL Year|2021}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Ivy League Player of the Year (2004)
- First-team All–Ivy League (2004)
;NFL records
- Most teams to have started a game for: 9
- Most consecutive games with 400+ passing yards: 3
- Most teams to have rushed a touchdown for: 8
- Most teams to have thrown a touchdown for: 8
| statlabel1 = Passing attempts
| statvalue1 = 5,060
| statlabel2 = Passing completions
| statvalue2 = 3,072
| statlabel3 = Completion percentage
| statvalue3 = 60.7%
| statvalue4 = 223–169
| statlabel5 = Passing yards
| statvalue5 = 34,990
| statlabel6 = Passer rating
| statvalue6 = 82.3
| pfr = FitzRy00
}}
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick (born November 24, 1982) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Fitzpatrick started at quarterback for nine teams, the most in league history.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick retires from NFL: Ranking FitzMagic's nine most memorable stops |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-retires-from-nfl-ranking-fitzmagic-s-nine-most-memorable-stops |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} He is also the only NFL player to have a passing touchdown with eight different teams.{{Cite web |date=2019-09-07 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick can become first player with TD pass for eight teams |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-can-become-first-player-with-td-pass-for-eight-teams |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}
Fitzpatrick played college football for the Harvard Crimson, where he was the school's first quarterback to have over 1,000 rushing yards, and was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL draft. Fitzpatrick's longest stint was with the Buffalo Bills for four seasons, while his only two winning seasons were with the 2015 New York Jets and the 2020 Miami Dolphins. As a member of the Tampa 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.{{cite web |title=NFL Passing Yards Career Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_career.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106112148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_career.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=NFL Passing Touchdowns Career Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-date=December 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221063946/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_td_career.htm |url-status=live }}
After retiring from professional football, Fitzpatrick was hired by Amazon as a pregame and postgame analyst for Thursday Night Football.
College career
While an economics student at Harvard University, Fitzpatrick had five starts for the Crimson during the 2001 and 2002 seasons, working as the backup for Neil Rose.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=November 10, 2015 |title=A quarterback's life: Ryan Fitzpatrick, from fast food to feeding his brain |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/55998/a-quarterbacks-life-ryan-fitzpatrick-from-fast-food-to-feeding-his-brain |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112202307/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/55998/a-quarterbacks-life-ryan-fitzpatrick-from-fast-food-to-feeding-his-brain |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |title=2003 Harvard Crimson Football Statistics and Results |url=http://www.totalfootballstats.com/Team_College.asp?id=1211&Season=2003 |access-date=October 6, 2018 |website=www.totalfootballstats.com |archive-date=November 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101034810/http://www.totalfootballstats.com/Team_College.asp?id=1211&Season=2003 |url-status=live }}
In 2004, Fitzpatrick was named the Ivy 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. He also led Harvard to a 10–0 record, thus winning the Ivy League Championship.{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 2005 |title=A Perfect 10 |url=http://harvardmagazine.com/2005/01/a-perfect-10-html |magazine=Harvard Magazine |language=en |access-date=March 15, 2013 |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312050409/http://harvardmagazine.com/2005/01/a-perfect-10-html |url-status=live }} He ranked second on the team with 448 rushing yards and five scores.
For his career, Fitzpatrick ranked second on Harvard's career list for pass completions, touchdowns, passing yards, and pass completion percentage, topped only by Neil Rose.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} Fitzpatrick's 641 pass attempts rank fourth in school history and his 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 Rose.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}} Fitzpatrick was also the school's first quarterback to rush for over 1,000 career yards.{{Cite web |last=Hubbuch |first=Bart |date=October 14, 2011 |title=Fitzpatrick's journey from Harvard to Buffalo could wind up in playoffs |url=https://nypost.com/2011/10/14/fitzpatricks-journey-from-harvard-to-buffalo-could-wind-up-in-playoffs/ |access-date=October 16, 2011 |newspaper=New York Post |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412014154/https://nypost.com/2011/10/14/fitzpatricks-journey-from-harvard-to-buffalo-could-wind-up-in-playoffs/ |url-status=live }}
Professional career
Like most incoming NFL rookies, Fitzpatrick took the Wonderlic test. Fitzpatrick completed the test in nine minutes, with rumors indicating that he obtained a perfect score of 50.{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2013 |title=Did Ryan Fitzpatrick Really Score a Perfect 50 On His Wonderlic Test? |language=en-US |work=Sports Urban Legends Revealed! |url=http://legendsrevealed.com/sports/2013/02/20/did-ryan-fitzpatrick-really-score-a-perfect-50-on-his-wonderlic-test/ |access-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922064317/http://legendsrevealed.com/sports/2013/02/20/did-ryan-fitzpatrick-really-score-a-perfect-50-on-his-wonderlic-test/ |url-status=live }} However, a 2005 The 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.{{Cite web |last=Kennelly |first=Lisa |date=March 3, 2005 |title=Embracing Brains and Brawn |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2005/3/3/embracing-brains-and-brawn-no-matter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502212931/http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=506143 |archive-date=May 2, 2008 |access-date=March 5, 2005 |website=The Harvard Crimson}} 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/punter Pat McInally, who played his entire career for the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite news |last=Saraceno |first=Jon |date=March 1, 2006 |title=Who knows if this Longhorn is short on IQ |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2006-02-28-saraceno-young_x.htm |access-date=September 17, 2010 |archive-date=February 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211191210/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/saraceno/2006-02-28-saraceno-young_x.htm |url-status=live }}
{{nfl predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2 3/8
| weight = 232
| dash = 4.87
| ten split = 1.71
|twenty split = 2.83
| shuttle = 4.07
| cone drill = 7.09
| vertical = 30.5
| broad ft = 8
| broad in = 9
| bench =
| wonderlic = 48
| arm span = 31 1/8
| hand span = 10 3/4
| note = All from NFL Combine.{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2006 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick, Pro Scout Draft.com |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=53836&DraftYear=2005 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |publisher=Nfldraftscout.com |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808154831/http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=53836&DraftYear=2005 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine/_/id/8762/ryan-fitzpatrick |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2005 NFL Draft Profile |website=ESPN |access-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023184608/http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine/_/id/8762/ryan-fitzpatrick |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?f=Ryan&l=Fitzpatrick&i=7104 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick, Combine Results, QB – Harvard |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026213757/https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?f=Ryan&l=Fitzpatrick&i=7104 |url-status=live }}
}}
=St. Louis Rams=
==2005 season==
The St. Louis Rams selected Fitzpatrick in the seventh round (250th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft. Fitzpatrick was the last of 14 quarterbacks drafted in 2005.{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |access-date=July 5, 2005 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905090453/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/draft.htm |url-status=live }}
On July 18, 2005, the Rams signed Fitzpatrick to a three-year, $953,000 contract.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/ryan-fitzpatrick-1336/ |access-date=July 22, 2005 |website=Spotrac.com |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407194347/https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/ryan-fitzpatrick-1336/ |url-status=live }} Throughout training camp, Fitzpatrick competed for a roster spot against Jeff Smoker to be the Rams' third-string quarterback. Head coach Mike Martz named Fitzpatrick the third-string quarterback on the depth chart to begin his rookie season, behind Marc Bulger and Jamie Martin. Fitzpatrick was upgraded to the primary backup role in Week 6 after Bulger sustained a shoulder injury and was placed on injured reserve.
On November 27, 2005, Fitzpatrick made his professional regular season debut after entering the game in the second quarter against the Houston Texans to replace injured veteran journeyman Jamie 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.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Houston Texans – November 27th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511270htx.htm |access-date=December 2, 2005 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120204/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511270htx.htm |url-status=live }} He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his effort.{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_12.htm |access-date=March 30, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331040202/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_12.htm |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite news |last=Coffey |first=Wayne |date=August 16, 2015 |title=Before taking over at QB for the Jets, Ryan Fitzpatrick was the leading man for the Harvard Crimson |work=Daily News (New York) |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/qb-jets-fitzpatrick-bled-crimson-article-1.2327065 |url-status=live |access-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113124938/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/qb-jets-fitzpatrick-bled-crimson-article-1.2327065 |archive-date=November 13, 2015}}
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 the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 235 yards and five interceptions for a QB rating of 32.4 for the game.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings – December 11th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512110min.htm |access-date=January 1, 2006 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135623/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512110min.htm |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick was replaced by Martin after halftime the following week, after struggling in a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles in which he completed just 41.7% of his passes for a total of 69 yards.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Career Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/ |access-date=January 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog// |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2005/ |access-date=February 1, 2006 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503183258/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2005/ |url-status=live }}
==2006 season==
In 2006, Fitzpatrick appeared in only one game, appearing late in the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings in relief of Marc Bulger and ran out the clock in the 41–21 road victory.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings – December 31st, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612310min.htm |access-date=January 1, 2007 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327083834/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612310min.htm |url-status=live }}
=Cincinnati Bengals=
==2007 season==
On September 1, 2007, Fitzpatrick was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for a seventh-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Bengals make trade for Rams' Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-make-trade-for-rams-fitzpatrick-09000d5d801fff44 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130053637/https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-make-trade-for-rams-fitzpatrick-09000d5d801fff44 |url-status=live }}
==2008 season==
A restricted 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 quarterback Carson Palmer, Fitzpatrick made his first Bengals start on September 28, 2008, against the Cleveland 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.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – September 28th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809280cin.htm |access-date=October 1, 2008 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120235/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809280cin.htm |url-status=live }} Palmer returned the next week to start against the Dallas Cowboys, but once again had to sit the following week to rest his elbow.{{Cite web |last=Cannizzaro |first=Mark |date=October 12, 2008 |title=FAVRE LEGEND BEGAN IN '92 AGAINST SAME TEAM |url=https://nypost.com/2008/10/12/favre-legend-began-in-92-against-same-team/ |access-date=September 22, 2018 |website=New York Post |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923085522/https://nypost.com/2008/10/12/favre-legend-began-in-92-against-same-team/ |url-status=live }} On October 12, 2008, Fitzpatrick got the start against the New 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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2008 |access-date=January 1, 2009 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121710/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2008 |url-status=live }} His 304 rushing yards ranked third among quarterbacks behind Tyler Thigpen and David Garrard.[https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byposition?pos=QB&conference=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=17&timeframe=All QB Rushing Stats 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112072343/https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byposition?pos=QB&conference=NFL&year=season_2008&sort=17&timeframe=All |date=January 12, 2016 }}. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved March 15, 2013
=Buffalo Bills=
==2009 season==
File:Ryan Fitzpatrick Bills vs Jets.jpg
On February 27, 2009, Fitzpatrick signed a three-year, $7.4 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |last=Mortensen |first=Chris |date=October 28, 2011 |title=Bills, Fitzpatrick agree on new six-year contract |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7160727/ryan-fitzpatrick-buffalo-bills-agrees-new-contract |access-date=October 5, 2012 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195524/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7160727/ryan-fitzpatrick-buffalo-bills-agrees-new-contract |url-status=live }}
Fitzpatrick made his first appearance on October 18, 2009, against the New York Jets when starter Trent 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.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – October 18th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nyj.htm |access-date=October 23, 2009 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120245/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nyj.htm |url-status=live }} He started the following two games, resulting in a 20–9 road victory over the Carolina Panthers and a 31–10 loss to the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers – October 25th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910250car.htm |access-date=October 30, 2009 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910250car.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Buffalo Bills – November 1st, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911010buf.htm |access-date=November 4, 2009 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120300/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911010buf.htm |url-status=live }}
On November 18, 2009, Fitzpatrick was named the starter by interim head coach Perry Fewell who took over the coaching duties after former head coach Dick 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 the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick threw a 98-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens, the longest touchdown reception and pass for both Owens and Fitzpatrick, also setting the team record for the longest touchdown pass.{{Cite web |title=NFL Longest Pass Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_long_single_season.htm |access-date=March 30, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_long_single_season.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 22nd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911220jax.htm |access-date=November 24, 2009 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120326/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911220jax.htm |url-status=live }}
Fitzpatrick finished the 2009 season with 1,422 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries in 10 games and eight starts.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2009 |access-date=January 6, 2010 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120120/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2009 |url-status=live }}
==2010 season==
New head coach Chan 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.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Bills bench Trent Edwards, will start Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bills/2010-09-20-trent-edwards-ryan-fitzpatrick_N.htm |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=September 22, 2010 |archive-date=January 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127212653/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bills/2010-09-20-trent-edwards-ryan-fitzpatrick_N.htm |url-status=live }}
During a Week 11 49–31 comeback road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 316 yards and four touchdowns, including three to Stevie Johnson, and two interceptions.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals – November 21st, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210cin.htm |access-date=November 23, 2010 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120346/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210cin.htm |url-status=live }} 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 since J. P. Losman in 2006.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/single-season-passing.htm |access-date=August 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822120833/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/single-season-passing.htm |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2010 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120120/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2010 |url-status=live }}
==2011 season==
During a Week 2 comeback 38–35 victory over the Oakland Raiders, Fitzpatrick led the Bills to touchdown drives on five straight possessions in the second half.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills – September 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180buf.htm |access-date=September 21, 2011 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120059/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180buf.htm |url-status=live }} It was the first time in league history a team had scored offensive touchdowns on five straight possessions in the second half.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |author-link=Gil Brandt |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Newton more impressive in first two games than any rookie QB |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/newton-more-impressive-in-first-two-games-than-any-rookie-qb-09000d5d82270a88 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801173046/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82270a88/article/newton-more-impressive-in-first-two-games-than-any-rookie-qb |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=September 24, 2011 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2011 |title=Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signs 6-year, $59 million contract |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/bills-quarterback-ryan-fitzpatrick-signs-6-year-59-million-contract-nfl/ |access-date=October 31, 2011 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} 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 the New England Patriots.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – September 25th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109250buf.htm |access-date=September 28, 2011 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135625/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109250buf.htm |url-status=live }}
After the 2011 season, it was revealed that Fitzpatrick had broken his ribs in a game against the Washington 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 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a league-leading 23 interceptions to go along with 56 carries for 215 yards in 16 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2011 |access-date=January 4, 2012 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119121713/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2011 |url-status=live }}
==2012 season==
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2012 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120240/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2012 |url-status=live }}
Following Chan Gailey's firing after the season, Bills general manager Buddy Nix was the victim of a prank 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 by Deadspin, the team parted ways with Fitzpatrick, releasing him on March 12, 2013 before he was due a $3 million bonus.{{Cite web |date=2013-03-12 |title=GMs Nix, Dominik victims of prank phone call |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9044432/buddy-nix-buffalo-bills-mark-dominik-tampa-bay-buccaneers-pranked |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick cut by Buffalo Bills, who need a QB |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-cut-by-buffalo-bills-who-need-a-qb-0ap1000000150048 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Wawrow |first=John |date=March 12, 2013 |title=Bills open free agency by cutting QB Fitzpatrick |work=Yahoo! Sports |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bills-open-free-agency-cutting-204224155--nfl.html |access-date=March 16, 2013 |archive-date=March 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315012830/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bills-open-free-agency-cutting-204224155--nfl.html |url-status=live }}
==Overview==
Despite the nature of his departure from the Bills and having a losing record with Buffalo, Fitzpatrick and Bills Mafia continue to hold each other in high esteem. Upon his retirement, Fitzpatrick listed Buffalo as his "favorite place to play."{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Jerry |date=2022-06-08 |title=Sullivan: Fitz retires from the NFL, still a Buffalo guy at heart |url=https://www.wivb.com/jerry-sullivan/ryan-fitzpatrick-retires-shirtless-bills-still-a-buffalo-guy-at-heart/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=WIVB.com}}
{{Blockquote|text="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." |author=Ryan Fitzpatrick reflecting on his time in Buffalo on Adam Schefter's podcast{{Cite web |title=A Glimpse Into the Future With Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-glimpse-into-the-future-with-ryan-fitzpatrick/id1190094109?i=1000565367915 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-US}}}}
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.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Describes his Love of Buffalo and Bills Fans |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-describes-his-love-of-buffalo-and-bills-fans |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Buffalo Bills On SI |language=en-US}} 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.
=Tennessee Titans=
On March 18, 2013, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2013 |title=Source: Titans agree with ex-Bills QB Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9068714 |access-date=April 3, 2013 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006194916/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9068714 |url-status=live }}
During a Week 4 38–13 victory over the New York Jets, Fitzpatrick made his Titans debut, replacing an injured Jake Locker in the third quarter. Fitzpatrick completed three of eight passes for 108 yards and a 77-yard touchdown pass to Nate Washington.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Tennessee Titans – September 29th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290oti.htm |access-date=October 9, 2013 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120237/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290oti.htm |url-status=live }}
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 rivals Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston 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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2013 |access-date=January 1, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120334/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2013 |url-status=live }}
Fitzpatrick was released on March 14, 2014, and replaced by Charlie Whitehurst.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=March 14, 2014 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick released by Tennessee Titans |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-released-by-tennessee-titans-0ap2000000334142 |access-date=March 16, 2014 |website=NFL.com |language=en |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729184439/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000334142/article/ryan-fitzpatrick-released-by-tennessee-titans |url-status=live }}
=Houston Texans=
On March 18, 2014, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans.{{Cite web |last=David Smith |first=Michael |date=March 20, 2014 |title=Texans sign Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/20/texans-sign-ryan-fitzpatrick/ |access-date=March 20, 2014 |website=Pro Football Talk |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321012118/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/20/texans-sign-ryan-fitzpatrick/ |url-status=live }} He was named the Texans' starting quarterback by new head coach Bill O'Brien on June 17,{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=June 17, 2014 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick named Houston Texans' starting QB |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-named-houston-texans-starting-qb-0ap2000000359262 |access-date=June 18, 2014 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135625/https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-named-houston-texans-starting-qb-0ap2000000359262 |url-status=live }} but was demoted to second on the Texans' depth chart on November 5, 2014, being replaced by Ryan Mallett.
On November 23, 2014, Mallett tore his pectoral muscle and Fitzpatrick was renamed the starter.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=November 24, 2014 |title=Ryan Mallett (torn pectoral muscle) out for season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-mallett-torn-pectoral-muscle-out-for-season-0ap3000000433693 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135655/https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-mallett-torn-pectoral-muscle-out-for-season-0ap3000000433693 |url-status=live }} During a Week 13 45–21 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 13, Fitzpatrick threw for a franchise-record six touchdowns and 358 yards with no interceptions and a 147.5 passer rating.{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2014 |title=Fitzpatrick, Hopkins lead Texans over Titans 45–21 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/400554316 |access-date=December 4, 2014 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135624/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/400554316 |url-status=live }} He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Titans.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 13 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_13.htm |access-date=December 23, 2014 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401170332/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_13.htm |url-status=live }}
During the second quarter of a Week 13 17–10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Fitzpatrick scrambled for a two-yard gain, was tripped up, and ended up with a fractured left tibia, ending his season. Fitzpatrick was replaced by rookie Tom Savage, who also received a minor injury.{{Cite web |last=Patra, Kevin |date=December 14, 2014 |title=Texans' Ryan Fitzpatrick breaks leg, out for season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-leg-out-for-season-0ap3000000443194 |access-date=December 15, 2014 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=December 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215170454/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000443194/article/texans-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-leg-out-for-season |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick finished 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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2014 |access-date=January 1, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120410/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2014 |url-status=live }}
=New York Jets=
==2015 season==
On March 11, 2015, Fitzpatrick was traded to the New York Jets for a late-round conditional draft pick in the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=March 10, 2015 |title=Texans trade Ryan Fitzpatrick to Jets for conditional draft pick |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/11/texans-trade-ryan-fitzpatrick-to-jets-for-conditional-draft-pick/ |access-date=March 12, 2015 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBCSports.com |archive-date=March 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314145810/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/11/texans-trade-ryan-fitzpatrick-to-jets-for-conditional-draft-pick/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric |date=March 11, 2015 |title=QB Fitzpatrick Added in Deal |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/QB-Fitzpatrick-Added-in-Deal-/d3bd88a3-9c71-4b50-89bf-4691a0332001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313105037/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-9/QB-Fitzpatrick-Added-in-Deal-/d3bd88a3-9c71-4b50-89bf-4691a0332001 |archive-date=March 13, 2015 |access-date=March 11, 2015 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} 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 quarterback Geno Smith suffered a broken jaw after being punched by linebacker IK Enemkpali, Fitzpatrick was tentatively named the Week 1 starter for the Jets.{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2015 |title=Fitzpatrick steps in starting role again, this time for Jets |url=http://newsok.com/article/feed/874986 |access-date=August 14, 2015 |website=The Oklahoman |agency=Associated Press}}
Making his first start for the Jets in the season-opening 31–10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, Fitzpatrick threw for 179 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the 31–10 victory.{{Cite web |last=Hurcomb |first=Michael |date=September 13, 2015 |title=Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick throws two TDs in season-opening win. |url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasyfootball/update/25300743/jets-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-throws-two-tds-in-season-opening-win |access-date=September 14, 2015 |website=CBS Sports |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135632/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jets-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-throws-two-tds-in-season-opening-win/ |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday 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.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – September 21st, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509210clt.htm |access-date=September 26, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143552/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509210clt.htm |url-status=live }} The following week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fitzpatrick threw for 283 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the 17–24 loss.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets – September 27th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270nyj.htm |access-date=September 28, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143524/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270nyj.htm |url-status=live }} During a Week 4 27–14 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in London, Fitzpatrick threw for 218 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2015 |title=Ivory, Fitzpatrick lead Jets over Dolphins at Wembley |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400761514 |access-date=December 31, 2015 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112072343/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400761514 |url-status=live }} Two weeks later against the Washington 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.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at New York Jets – October 18th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510180nyj.htm |access-date=October 23, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120302/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510180nyj.htm |url-status=live }} During a Week 7 30–23 road loss to the New England Patriots, Fitzpatrick threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New England Patriots – October 25th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510250nwe.htm |access-date=October 31, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132341/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510250nwe.htm |url-status=live }}
During the first quarter of a Week 8 34–20 loss to the Oakland 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.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Brian |date=November 19, 2015 |title=Post-surgery Ryan Fitzpatrick gets Todd Bowles' green light |url=https://nypost.com/2015/11/19/post-surgery-ryan-fitzpatrick-gets-todd-bowles-green-light/ |access-date=November 20, 2015 |website=nypost.com |publisher=New York Post |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417200926/https://nypost.com/2015/11/19/post-surgery-ryan-fitzpatrick-gets-todd-bowles-green-light/ |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fitzpatrick threw for 272 yards with two touchdowns as the Jets won by a score of 28–23.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets – November 8th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511080nyj.htm |access-date=November 13, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108032654/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511080nyj.htm |url-status=live }} The following week on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, he threw for 193 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Jets lost by a score 22–17.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – November 12th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511120nyj.htm |access-date=November 17, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120157/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511120nyj.htm |url-status=live }} During a Week 11 24–17 road loss to the Houston Texans, Fitzpatrick threw for 216 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions to go along with five carries for 12 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Houston Texans – November 22nd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |access-date=November 24, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107083618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511220htx.htm |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – November 29th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290nyj.htm |access-date=December 2, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290nyj.htm |url-status=live }} In the next game against interconference-rival New 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.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at New York Giants – December 6th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512060nyg.htm |access-date=December 11, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120408/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512060nyg.htm |url-status=live }} The following week against the Tennessee Titans, he had 263 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 30–8 victory to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at New York Jets – December 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512130nyj.htm |access-date=December 18, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120230/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512130nyj.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_14.htm |access-date=December 31, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401171849/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_14.htm |url-status=live }} During a Week 15 19–16 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Fitzpatrick threw for 299 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Dallas Cowboys – December 19th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512190dal.htm |access-date=December 24, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120338/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512190dal.htm |url-status=live }} This was Fitzpatrick's ninth win of the season as a starter, securing his first winning season as a starting quarterback.{{Cite web |last=Walder |first=Seth |date=December 20, 2015 |title=Jets survive awful Cowboys 19–16, while going against QB Kellen Moore |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-survive-cowboys-19-16-late-thompkins-touchdown-article-1.2471717 |access-date=January 1, 2016 |website=dailynews.com |publisher=New York Daily News |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223024507/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-survive-cowboys-19-16-late-thompkins-touchdown-article-1.2471717 |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Walder |first=Seth |date=December 28, 2015 |title=Jets beat Patriots, who elect to kickoff in OT, now control own playoff fate |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-beat-patriots-26-20-ot-control-playoff-fate-article-1.2478103 |access-date=December 28, 2015 |website=Daily News |archive-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229220910/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-beat-patriots-26-20-ot-control-playoff-fate-article-1.2478103 |url-status=live }} For his effort against the Patriots, Fitzpatrick earned another AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Week 16 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_16.htm |access-date=December 31, 2015 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401164759/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week_16.htm |url-status=live }} 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 the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns, despite finishing the year with a 10–6 record.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – January 3rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030buf.htm |access-date=January 8, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030buf.htm |url-status=live }}
Having started in all 16 games of the 2015 season, Fitzpatrick finished with 3,905 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, breaking Vinny Testaverde's 1998 franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season. Fitzpatrick also had 60 carries for 270 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=January 3, 2016 |title=Fitzpatrick sets Jets record with 30th TD pass |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14492641/new-york-jets-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-vinny-testaverde-record-td-passes-season |access-date=January 16, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917194814/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14492641/new-york-jets-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-vinny-testaverde-record-td-passes-season |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2015 |access-date=January 8, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120307/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2015 |url-status=live }}
==2016 season==
File:Ryan Fitzpatrick 2016.jpg
Fitzpatrick, a free agent after the 2015 season, signed a one-year fully guaranteed $12 million contract with the Jets on July 27, 2016.{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2016 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick agrees to one-year deal with Jets |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/27/ryan-fitzpatrick-signs-new-york-jets-contract-free-agency |access-date=August 5, 2016 |website=SI.com |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006195042/https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/27/ryan-fitzpatrick-signs-new-york-jets-contract-free-agency |url-status=live }}
During the narrow season-opening 23–22 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Jets, Ryan Fitzpatrick struggle in red zone during 23–22 loss to Bengals |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/09/jets_bengals_ryan_fitzpatrick.html |access-date=September 11, 2016 |website=NJ.com |archive-date=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920033932/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/09/jets_bengals_ryan_fitzpatrick.html |url-status=live }} In the next game on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, he improved gradually with 374 passing yards and a touchdown, leading the Jets to a 37–31 victory to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jarrett |date=September 16, 2016 |title=For Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets' revenge on Bills runs deep |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2016/09/15/ryan-fitzpatrick-new-york-jets-buffalo-bills/90450008/ |access-date=September 23, 2016 |website=USA Today |archive-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916051500/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2016/09/15/ryan-fitzpatrick-new-york-jets-buffalo-bills/90450008/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Week 2 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/week_2.htm |access-date=September 23, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417200940/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/week_2.htm |url-status=live }} The following week against the Kansas 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.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Brian |date=September 25, 2016 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick implodes in complete Jets fiasco |url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/25/ryan-fitzpatrick-implodes-in-complete-jets-fiasco/ |access-date=September 26, 2016 |website=New York Post |archive-date=September 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926215314/http://nypost.com/2016/09/25/ryan-fitzpatrick-implodes-in-complete-jets-fiasco/ |url-status=live }} During a Week 6 28–3 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzpatrick was benched for Geno Smith after going 16-for-31 for 174 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals – October 17th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610170crd.htm |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120243/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610170crd.htm |url-status=live }}
Smith was then named the starter for the next game against the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Jets' Geno Smith: Officially named starter |url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/jets-geno-smith-officially-named-starter/ |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=October 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020185141/http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/jets-geno-smith-officially-named-starter/ |url-status=live }} However, he suffered a season-ending injury and was replaced by Fitzpatrick in the second quarter.{{Cite web |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick replaces Geno Smith (knee) in Ravens-Jets |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/10/ryan_fitzpatrick_replaces_geno_smith_in_jets-raven.html |access-date=October 24, 2016 |website=nj.com |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107033251/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/10/ryan_fitzpatrick_replaces_geno_smith_in_jets-raven.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2016 |title=Injury update: New York Jets QB Geno Smith done for season with torn ACL |url=http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2016/10/24/Injury-update-New-York-Jets-QB-Geno-Smith-done-for-season-with-torn-ACL/1761477343008/ |access-date=October 27, 2016 |publisher=upi.com |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226160944/http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2016/10/24/Injury-update-New-York-Jets-QB-Geno-Smith-done-for-season-with-torn-ACL/1761477343008/ |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick then started the team's next two games against the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins before sitting out against the Los Angeles Rams due to injury.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227060154/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }} Bryce Petty started in his place even though Fitzpatrick was still active for the game as the backup.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Connor |date=November 13, 2016 |title=Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick wanted to start vs. Rams |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/11/jets_ryan_fitzpatrick_wanted_to_start_vs_rams.html |access-date=November 17, 2016 |website=nj.com |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107033350/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/11/jets_ryan_fitzpatrick_wanted_to_start_vs_rams.html |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick then returned from his injury to start the next two games against the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. However, during the Colts game, he was benched for Petty to start the second half.{{Cite web |last=Vorkunov |first=Mike |date=December 5, 2016 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Is Benched for Good as Jets Fall Meekly to Colts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/sports/football/new-york-jets-indianapolis-colts-.html |access-date=December 9, 2016 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701155406/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/05/sports/football/new-york-jets-indianapolis-colts-.html |url-status=live }}
Petty was then named the starter for the final four games of the season. Jets head coach Todd Bowles said, "The plan was for us to start him the last four games anyway, so we just started a half early."{{Cite web |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=December 6, 2016 |title=Jets bench ineffective Ryan Fitzpatrick, turn to Bryce Petty for last 4 games |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18216355/jets-bench-ineffective-ryan-fitzpatrick-turn-bryce-petty-last-4-games |access-date=December 9, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=December 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206171139/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18216355/jets-bench-ineffective-ryan-fitzpatrick-turn-bryce-petty-last-4-games |url-status=live }} Petty then started the next three games against the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots.{{Cite web |title=Bryce Petty |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PettBr01/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=December 26, 2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227125411/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/P/PettBr01/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }} During the Dolphins game, Fitzpatrick relieved Petty due to injury early in the fourth quarter.{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Darryl |date=December 17, 2016 |title=Jets' Ryan Fitzpatrick replaces injured Bryce Petty vs. Dolphins |work=nj.com |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/12/jets_ryan_fitzpatrick_replaces_injured_bryce_petty.html |access-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-date=October 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030172317/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/12/jets_ryan_fitzpatrick_replaces_injured_bryce_petty.html |url-status=live }} Petty also suffered an injury in the Patriots game and was replaced by Fitzpatrick in the second quarter.{{Cite news |last=Hughes |first=Connor |date=December 24, 2016 |title=Jets' Bryce Petty injured vs. Patriots and won't return, replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick |work=nj.com |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/12/jets_bryce_petty_injured_replaced_by_ryan_fitzpatr.html |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107033354/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2016/12/jets_bryce_petty_injured_replaced_by_ryan_fitzpatr.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Waszak | first=Dennis Jr. |date=January 1, 2017 |title=Fitzpatrick, Powell Lead Jets Past Bumbling Bills 30–10 |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ryan-Fitzpatrick-Bilal-Powell-Lead-Jets-Past-Bumbling-Buffalo-Bills-30-10-409200095.html |access-date=January 4, 2017 |publisher=nbcnewyork.com |archive-date=January 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102012407/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ryan-Fitzpatrick-Bilal-Powell-Lead-Jets-Past-Bumbling-Buffalo-Bills-30-10-409200095.html |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=January 4, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107203807/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }}
On February 15, 2017, Fitzpatrick's contract was voided, and he became a free agent.{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2017 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick: Has contract voided |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-has-contract-voided/ |access-date=February 24, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917194320/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-has-contract-voided/ |url-status=live }}
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
==2017 season==
On May 19, 2017, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $3 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Buccaneers Add Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Buccaneers-Add-Ryan-Fitzpatrick/a5b3379c-1d8d-4b89-8d69-4a3aa2133e3f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519162206/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Buccaneers-Add-Ryan-Fitzpatrick/a5b3379c-1d8d-4b89-8d69-4a3aa2133e3f |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2017 |website=Buccaneers.com}}{{Cite web |title=Sportrac.com: Ryan Fitzpatrick contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/ryan-fitzpatrick-1336/ |access-date=May 19, 2017 |website=sportrac.com |archive-date=May 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522203136/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/ryan-fitzpatrick-1336/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=May 19, 2017 |title=So long to Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jetsiest of all Jets |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809959/article/so-long-to-ryan-fitzpatrick-the-jetsiest-of-all-jets |access-date=May 20, 2017 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519224354/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809959/article/so-long-to-ryan-fitzpatrick-the-jetsiest-of-all-jets |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick lands with Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-lands-with-tampa-bay-buccaneers-0ap3000000809854 |access-date=May 20, 2017 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519224320/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809854/article/ryan-fitzpatrick-lands-with-tampa-bay-buccaneers |url-status=live }}
During a Week 6 38–33 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzpatrick entered the game after starter Jameis 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.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=October 15, 2017 |title=Jameis Winston injures shoulder in loss to Cardinals |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/jameis-winston-injures-shoulder-in-loss-to-cardinals-0ap3000000861638 |access-date=October 20, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Three weeks later against the New 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.{{Cite web |last=Katzenstein |first=Josh |date=November 5, 2017 |title=Saints dominate Buccaneers, win sixth straight: Final score, stats and analysis |url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/11/saints_bucs_recap.html |access-date=November 6, 2017 |publisher=nola.com |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106014101/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/11/saints_bucs_recap.html |url-status=live }} On November 6, head coach Dirk Koetter said that Winston would miss at least two weeks to rest his shoulder.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=November 6, 2017 |title=Jameis Winston shut down for at least 2 weeks to rest injured shoulder |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21317038/jameis-winston-tampa-bay-buccaneers-shut-few-weeks-rest-injured-shoulder |access-date=November 6, 2017 |website=ESPN |archive-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106205411/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21317038/jameis-winston-tampa-bay-buccaneers-shut-few-weeks-rest-injured-shoulder |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick started in Week 10 against his former team, the New York Jets, throwing for 187 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Buccaneers won by a score of 15–10.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Connor |date=November 12, 2017 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick gets 'special' win over Jets |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2017/11/ryan_fitzpatrick_gets_special_win_over_jets.html |access-date=November 13, 2017 |website=NJ.com |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113062921/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2017/11/ryan_fitzpatrick_gets_special_win_over_jets.html |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Miami Dolphins, Fitzpatrick threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns as the Buccaneers won on the road by a score of 30–20.{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2017 |title='Grandpa' is 2–0: Fitzpatrick coming through for Tampa Bay |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/grandpa-is-2-0-fitzpatrick-coming-through-for-tampa-bay-111917 |access-date=November 21, 2017 |website=foxsports.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120012927/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/grandpa-is-2-0-fitzpatrick-coming-through-for-tampa-bay-111917 |url-status=live }} The following week against the Atlanta Falcons, he threw for 283 yards as the Buccaneers lost on the road by a score of 34–20.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – November 26th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711260atl.htm |access-date=November 27, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230173841/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711260atl.htm |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2017 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120101/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2017 |url-status=live }}
==2018 season==
File:Ryan Fitzpatrick 2018.png
On March 9, 2018, Fitzpatrick signed a one-year contract extension with the Buccaneers.{{Cite web |last=Knoblauch |first=Austin |date=March 9, 2018 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick re-signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-re-signs-with-tampa-bay-buccaneers-0ap3000000920302 |access-date=March 10, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917193044/https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-re-signs-with-tampa-bay-buccaneers-0ap3000000920302 |url-status=live }} Starter Jameis 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 the New 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 QB rating.{{Cite web |last=Schwab |first=Frank |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Jameis who? Ryan Fitzpatrick plays out of his mind in Bucs' upset win |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jameis-ryan-fitzpatrick-plays-mind-bucs-upset-win-202050899.html |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=Yahoo Sports |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001143316/https://sports.yahoo.com/jameis-ryan-fitzpatrick-plays-mind-bucs-upset-win-202050899.html |url-status=live }} He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=September 12, 2018 |title=Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mahomes-fitzpatrick-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000961268 |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412135240/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000961268/article/mahomes-fitzpatrick-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Fitzpatrick completed 27 of 33 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns, finishing with a 144.4 QB rating despite an interception (which was after a juggle his receiver made) as the Buccaneers won by a score of 27–21.{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2018 |title=Buccaneers' Ryan Fitzpatrick: Puts together spectacular encore in Week 2 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/buccaneers-ryan-fitzpatrick-puts-together-spectacular-encore-in-week-2 |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007152120/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/buccaneers-ryan-fitzpatrick-puts-together-spectacular-encore-in-week-2/ |url-status=live }} He earned his second consecutive NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Knoblauch |first=Austin |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mahomes-fitzpatrick-among-nfl-players-of-week-0ap3000000964054 |access-date=September 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306151506/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000964054/article/mahomes-fitzpatrick-among-nfl-players-of-week |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick's unexpectedly incredible performance during the first two weeks of the season revived his "Fitzmagic" nickname. The following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, Fitzpatrick finished with 411 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions as the Buccaneers narrowly lost by a score of 30–27.{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Bucs comeback bid falls just short in 30–27 loss to Steelers |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/sports/nfl/buccaneers/bucs-comeback-bid-falls-just-short-in-30-27-loss-to-steelers/67-597736167 |access-date=September 28, 2018 |website=10NEWS |language=en-US }} He became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards in three consecutive games.{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=September 25, 2018 |title=Steelers-Buccaneers final score, takeaways: FitzMagic runs out as Steelers hang on for the win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-buccaneers-final-score-takeaways-fitzmagic-runs-out-as-steelers-hang-on-for-the-win/ |access-date=September 28, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004021348/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/steelers-buccaneers-final-score-takeaways-fitzmagic-runs-out-as-steelers-hang-on-for-the-win/ |url-status=live }} During a Week 4 48–10 road loss to the Chicago 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.{{Cite web |last=Potash |first=Mark |date=September 30, 2018 |title=Like magic, Mack-led Bears 'D' makes Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bucs' offense disappear |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/like-magic-mack-led-bears-d-makes-ryan-fitzpatrick-bucs-offense-disappear/ |access-date=October 1, 2018 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001113313/https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/like-magic-mack-led-bears-d-makes-ryan-fitzpatrick-bucs-offense-disappear/ |url-status=live }}
During a Week 8 37–34 road loss to the Cincinnati 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.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2018 |title=Bengals pick off Winston 4 times for 37–34 win over Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401030744 |access-date=September 17, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917193259/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401030744 |url-status=live }} The next day, the Buccaneers named Fitzpatrick their starting quarterback.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=October 29, 2018 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick to start at QB for Bucs at Panthers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-to-start-at-qb-for-bucs-at-panthers-0ap3000000980443 |access-date=October 31, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411135538/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000980443/article/ryan-fitzpatrick-to-start-at-qb-for-bucs-at-panthers |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Carolina Panthers, he threw for 243 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Buccaneers lost on the road by a score of 42–28.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – November 4th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811040car.htm |access-date=November 10, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120120228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811040car.htm |url-status=live }} The following week against the Washington Redskins, Fitzpatrick had his fourth 400-yard passing game of the season, throwing for 406 yards and two interceptions, which tied Dan Marino and Peyton Manning for the single-season record as the Buccaneers lost by a score of 16–3.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Noah |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Redskins win ugly, beat Buccaneers 16–3 |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/redskins/redskins-win-ugly-beat-buccaneers-16-3/65-613576964 |access-date=November 20, 2018 |website=WUSA |archive-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120124459/https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/redskins/redskins-win-ugly-beat-buccaneers-16-3/65-613576964 |url-status=live }} During a narrow Week 11 38–35 road loss to the New 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.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=November 18, 2018 |title=QB carousel has Winston replacing Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25313015 |access-date=November 20, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124001305/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25313015 |url-status=live }}
Fitzpatrick finished the 2018 season with 2,366 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and 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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00.htm |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121200502/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00.htm |url-status=live }}
=Miami Dolphins=
==2019 season==
On March 18, 2019, Fitzpatrick signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2019 |title=Dolphins Sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-sign-ryan-fitzpatrick |access-date=March 20, 2019 |website=miamidolphins.com |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404202457/https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-sign-ryan-fitzpatrick |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=March 17, 2019 |title=Dolphins agree to two-year deal with Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-agree-to-two-year-deal-with-ryan-fitzpatrick-0ap3000001023041 |access-date=April 4, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=August 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808225621/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001023041/article/miami-dolphins-agrees-to-deal-with-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick |url-status=live }} He was named the Dolphins starting quarterback over Josh Rosen.{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=August 30, 2019 |title=Dolphins name Ryan Fitzpatrick as Week 1 starter |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001045533/article/flores-announces-fitzpatrick-as-fins-week-1-starter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830180358/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001045533/article/flores-announces-fitzpatrick-as-fins-week-1-starter |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}
During the season-opening 59–10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Fitzpatrick threw for 185 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Jackson's 5 TD passes help Ravens drub Dolphins 59–10 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127954 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909065717/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127954 |url-status=live }} In the next game against the New 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.{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Newcomer Brown scores as Patriots beat Dolphins 43–0 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127862 |access-date=September 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722192619/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127862 |url-status=live }} After the game, Dolphins' head coach Brian Flores said that Fitzpatrick would still be the starter in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys,{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Dolphins' Flores: Ryan Fitzpatrick 'is still the starter' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-flores-ryan-fitzpatrick-is-still-the-starter-0ap3000001055306 |access-date=September 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916015718/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001055306/article/dolphins-flores-ryan-fitzpatrick-is-still-the-starter |url-status=live }} but on September 19, prior to the game, Rosen was named the starter, sending Fitzpatrick to the bench.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Josh Rosen will start this week |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/19/josh-rosen-will-start-this-week/ |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115113448/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/09/19/josh-rosen-will-start-this-week/ |url-status=live }}
During a narrow Week 6 17–16 loss to the Washington 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 to Kenyan Drake, who dropped it, sealing the loss for Miami.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=McLaurin helps Redskins earn 1st win against Dolphins, 17–16 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128121 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014071040/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128121 |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick started the next game against the Buffalo Bills, his former team, leading the Dolphins to a 14–9 halftime lead. However, after he threw an interception to cornerback Tre'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.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick adds unpredictable excitement for winless Dolphins |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/29890/ryan-fitzpatrick-adds-unpredictable-excitement-for-winless-dolphins |access-date=November 20, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114214554/https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/29890/ryan-fitzpatrick-adds-unpredictable-excitement-for-winless-dolphins |url-status=live }} Two weeks later against another of his former teams, the New 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.{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2019 |title=Dolphins get first win of 2019, top Jets 26–18 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128080 |access-date=November 3, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122202457/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128080 |url-status=live }} During a Week 13 37–31 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2019 |title=Bag of tricks helps Dolphins rally past Eagles 37–31 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128070 |access-date=December 1, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202101732/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128070 |url-status=live }} Three weeks later against the Cincinnati Bengals, Fitzpatrick threw for 419 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception as the Dolphins won by a score of 38–35 in overtime.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2019 |title=Dolphins survive late collapse and beat Bengals in OT, 38–35 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127910 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225124520/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127910 |url-status=live }} He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Bengals.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Week 16 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/week_16.htm |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619205506/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/week_16.htm |url-status=live }} 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 he would sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason. Fitzpatrick is also the only quarterback to defeat Tom Brady with all the Patriots’ division rivals.{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2019 |title=Dolphins stun Patriots 27–24, denying NE first-round bye |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127909 |access-date=December 29, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001171147/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127909 |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 1, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102070733/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live }} He ended up being the team's leading rusher for the 2019 season.{{Cite web |last=Gresham |first=Chet |date=December 29, 2019 |title=Dolphins leading rusher for 2019: Ryan Fitzpatrick leads team in rushing and rushing touchdowns |url=https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/12/29/21041548/ryan-fitzpatrick-dolphins-leading-rusher-2019-week-17-vs-patriots |access-date=January 1, 2020 |website=DraftKings Nation |language=en |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101184738/https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/12/29/21041548/ryan-fitzpatrick-dolphins-leading-rusher-2019-week-17-vs-patriots |url-status=live }}
==2020 season==
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 quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in training camp.{{Cite web |last=Cwik |first=Chris |date=September 7, 2020 |title=Fitzmagic rides again: Ryan Fitzpatrick wins Dolphins QB job over Tua Tagovailoa |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/fitzmagic-rides-again-ryan-fitzpatrick-wins-dolphins-qb-job-over-tua-tagovailoa-134312167.html |website=Yahoo! Sports |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=September 14, 2020 |archive-date=September 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914135858/https://sports.yahoo.com/fitzmagic-rides-again-ryan-fitzpatrick-wins-dolphins-qb-job-over-tua-tagovailoa-134312167.html |url-status=live }}
During the season-opening 21–11 road loss against the New England Patriots, Fitzpatrick threw for 191 yards and three interceptions.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130nwe.htm |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001130458/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130nwe.htm |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Buffalo Bills, he had 328 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Dolphins narrowly lost by a score of 31–28.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Allen reaches career high in passing, Bills beat Dolphins |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220122 |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923095436/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401220122 |url-status=live }} The following week against the Jacksonville 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.{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=September 24, 2020 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick enters record book in leading Miami Dolphins over Jacksonville Jaguars |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29966275/ryan-fitzpatrick-enters-record-book-leading-miami-dolphins-jacksonville-jaguars |access-date=September 21, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923141701/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29966275/ryan-fitzpatrick-enters-record-book-leading-miami-dolphins-jacksonville-jaguars |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick also joined Walter 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.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=September 25, 2020 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick joins Walter Payton as the only two players since at least 1948 to accomplish rare stat line |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-joins-walter-payton-as-the-only-two-players-since-at-least-1948-to-accomplish-rare-stat-line/ |access-date=September 25, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005142133/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-joins-walter-payton-as-the-only-two-players-since-at-least-1948-to-accomplish-rare-stat-line/ |url-status=live }}
During a Week 5 43–17 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Fitzpatrick threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers – October 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110sfo.htm |access-date=October 15, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015195111/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110sfo.htm |url-status=live }} In the next game against one of his former teams, the New York Jets, Fitzpatrick threw for 191 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions during the 24–0 shutout victory.{{Cite web |title=New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – October 18th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180mia.htm |access-date=October 22, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024035544/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180mia.htm |url-status=live }} Two days later on October 20, Brian Flores named Tagovailoa the team's starting quarterback for the Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams following the bye week.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Tua Tagovailoa to start for Dolphins |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/20/tua-tagovailoa-to-start-for-dolphins/ |access-date=January 14, 2021 |website=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118041311/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/20/tua-tagovailoa-to-start-for-dolphins/ |url-status=live }}
During a Week 11 20–13 road loss to the Denver 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.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=November 24, 2020 |title=Tua Tagovailoa's benching a lesson for young QB – and the Dolphins |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/31716/tua-tagovailoas-benching-a-lesson-for-young-qb-and-the-dolphins |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=ESPN |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203070351/https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/31716/tua-tagovailoas-benching-a-lesson-for-young-qb-and-the-dolphins |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick was named the Dolphins' starting quarterback for the next game against the Jets after Tagovailoa jammed his thumb in practice.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Adam |date=November 29, 2020 |title=Tua Tagovailoa out for Dolphins vs. Jets with Injury; Ryan Fitzpatrick to Start |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2920054-tua-tagovailoa-out-for-dolphins-vs-jets-with-injury-ryan-fitzpatrick-to-start |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=www.bleacherreport.com |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129170405/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2920054-tua-tagovailoa-out-for-dolphins-vs-jets-with-injury-ryan-fitzpatrick-to-start |url-status=live }} During that game, Fitzpatrick threw for 257 yards and a touchdown in the 20–3 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290nyj.htm |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116234853/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290nyj.htm |url-status=live }}
During a narrow Week 16 26–25 road victory over the Las 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 found Mack 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 by Jason Sanders. Fitzpatrick finished the game throwing for 182 yards and a 59-yard touchdown to Myles Gaskin.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=December 26, 2020 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick rescues Miami Dolphins with frantic road rally, but Tua Tagovailoa remains starter |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30603620/ryan-fitzpatrick-jason-sanders-rescue-miami-dolphins-late-rally-nets-dramatic-10th-victory |access-date=December 27, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227050535/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30603620/ryan-fitzpatrick-jason-sanders-rescue-miami-dolphins-late-rally-nets-dramatic-10th-victory |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders – December 26th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012260rai.htm |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219015657/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012260rai.htm |url-status=live }} On December 31, 2020, Fitzpatrick was placed on the Dolphins' reserve/COVID-19 list.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=December 31, 2020 |title=Source: Dolphins QB Fitzpatrick tests positive |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30629629/miami-dolphins-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-tests-positive-covid-19-vs-buffalo-bills-per-reports |access-date=December 31, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231184608/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30629629/miami-dolphins-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-tests-positive-covid-19-vs-buffalo-bills-per-reports |url-status=live }} 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 the Indianapolis Colts won later that day.{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Cameron |date=January 3, 2021 |title=Dolphins' playoff dreams extinguished with crushing loss to Bills |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/32064/dolphins-playoff-dreams-extinguished-with-crushing-loss-to-bills |access-date=January 17, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116171739/https://www.espn.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/32064/dolphins-playoff-dreams-extinguished-with-crushing-loss-to-bills |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick was activated from the list on January 11, 2021.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2021 |title=Dolphins' Ryan Fitzpatrick: Off of COVID-19 list |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/dolphins-ryan-fitzpatrick-off-of-covid-19-list/ |access-date=February 11, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051639/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/dolphins-ryan-fitzpatrick-off-of-covid-19-list/ |url-status=live }}
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.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117050428/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2020 |url-status=live }}
=Washington Football Team=
Fitzpatrick signed a one-year contract with the Washington Football Team on March 18, 2021.{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2021 |title=Washington Signs QB Ryan Fitzpatrick |url=https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/washington-signs-ryan-fitzpatrick-quarterback-free-agency-2021 |access-date=March 18, 2021 |website=WashingtonFootball.com |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318192715/https://www.washingtonfootball.com/news/washington-signs-ryan-fitzpatrick-quarterback-free-agency-2021 |url-status=live }}
Fitzpatrick started in the season-opening 20–16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but suffered a hip subluxation during the second quarter, which resulted in him being placed on injured reserve and missing the rest of the season.{{Cite web |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |date=September 12, 2021 |title=Fitzpatrick injures hip, Washington turns to Heinicke at QB |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Ryan-Fitzpatrick-exits-Washington-debut-with-hip-16453163.php |access-date=September 13, 2021 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912211622/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Ryan-Fitzpatrick-exits-Washington-debut-with-hip-16453163.php |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=September 13, 2021 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick lands on IR with hip subluxation |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/washington-ryan-fitzpatrick-hip-subluxation-injured-reserve |access-date=September 13, 2021 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913165359/https://www.nfl.com/news/washington-ryan-fitzpatrick-hip-subluxation-injured-reserve |url-status=live }} Due to his brief tenure, Fitzpatrick did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions with Washington, the only time he did not do so with a team he played for.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 1, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |url-status=live |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110150516/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2021/ }}
=Retirement=
On June 2, 2022, Fitzpatrick announced his retirement from the NFL after 17 seasons.{{Cite web |last=Brener |first=Jeremy |date=June 2, 2022 |title='Forever Grateful': Ryan Fitzpatrick, Former Washington QB, Retires After 17 NFL Seasons |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/washington-ryan-fitzpatrick-retires-injury-update-buffalo-bills-quarterback-fred-jackson |access-date=June 3, 2022 |website=SI.com |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624044157/https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/news/washington-ryan-fitzpatrick-retires-injury-update-buffalo-bills-quarterback-fred-jackson |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Shook, Nick |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Longtime NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick retiring after 17 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/longtime-nfl-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-retiring-after-17-seasons |access-date=June 3, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624170352/https://www.nfl.com/news/longtime-nfl-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-retiring-after-17-seasons |url-status=live }}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league |
| style="width:3em;"| Bold
| Career high |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | |||||||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="3"| Games ! colspan="9"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} | {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest pass completion}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Sck|Times sacked}} | {{abbr|Yds|Yards lost due to sacks}} | {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} | {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles Lost}} | |
| 2005 | STL
| 4 || 3 || 0–3 || 76 || 135 || 56.3 || 777 || 5.8 || 56 || 4 || 8 || 58.2 || 14 || 64 || 4.6 || 14 || 2 || 9 || 49 || 3 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | STL
| 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || — || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0 || — || 3 || 0 || 0.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | CIN
| 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || — || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | CIN
| 13 || 12 || 4–7–1 || 221 || 372 || 59.4 || 1,905 || 5.1 || 79 || 8 || 9 || 70.0 || 60 || 304 || 5.1 || 22 || 2 || 38 || 193 || 11 || 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | BUF
| 10 || 8 || 4–4 || 127 || 227 || 55.9 || 1,422 || 6.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 98 || 9 || 10 || 69.7 || 31 || 141 || 4.5 || 31 || 1 || 21 || 127 || 3 || 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010 | BUF
| 13 || 13 || 4–9 || 255 || 441 || 57.8 || 3,000 || 6.8 || 65 || 23 || 15 || 81.8 || 40 || 269 || 6.7 || 22 || 0 || 24 || 145 || 8 || 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 | BUF
| 16 || 16 || 6–10 || 353 || 569 || 62.0 || 3,832 || 6.7 || 60 || 24 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 23 || 79.1 || 56 || 215 || 3.8 || 18 || 0 || 22 || 148 || 7 || 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 | BUF
| 16 || 16 || 6–10 || 306 || 505 || 60.6 || 3,400 || 6.7 || 68 || 24 || 16 || 83.3 || 48 || 197 || 4.1 || 20 || 1 || 30 || 161 || 8 || 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | TEN
| 11 || 9 || 3–6 || 217 || 350 || 62.0 || 2,454 || 7.0 || 77 || 14 || 12 || 82.0 || 43 || 225 || 5.2 || 26 || 3 || 21 || 109 || 9 || 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | HOU
| 12 || 12 || 6–6 || 197 || 312 || 63.1 || 2,483 || 8.0 || 76 || 17 || 8 || 95.3 || 50 || 184 || 3.7 || 16 || 2 || 21 || 83 || 5 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | NYJ
| 16 || 16 || 10–6 || 335 || 562 || 59.6 || 3,905 || 6.9 || 69 || 31 || 15 || 88.0 || 60 || 270 || 4.5 || 19 || 2 || 19 || 94 || 5 || 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | NYJ
| 14 || 11 || 3–8 || 228 || 403 || 56.6 || 2,710 || 6.7 || 57 || 12 || 17 || 69.6 || 33 || 130 || 3.9 || 14 || 0 || 19 || 81 || 9 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | TB
| 6 || 3 || 2–1 || 96 || 163 || 58.9 || 1,103 || 6.8 || 41 || 7 || 3 || 86.0 || 15 || 78 || 5.2 || 15 || 0 || 7 || 34 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018 | TB
| 8 || 7 || 2–5 || 164 || 246 || 66.7 || 2,366 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 9.6 || 75 || 17 || 12 || 100.4 || 36 || 152 || 4.2 || 18 || 2 || 14 || 76 || 4 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | MIA
| 15 || 13 || 5–8 || 311 || 502 || 62.0 || 3,529 || 7.0 || 51 || 20 || 13 || 85.5 || 54 || 243 || 4.5 || 20 || 4 || 40 || 209 || 9 || 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | MIA
| 9 || 7 || 4–3 || 183 || 267 || 68.5 || 2,091 || 7.8 || 70 || 13 || 8 || 95.6 || 30 || 151 || 5.0 || 17 || 2 || 14 || 65 || 2 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | WAS
| 1 || 1 || 0–1 || 3 || 6 || 50.0 || 13 || 2.2 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 56.2 || 1 || 2 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00.htm Career] | 166 | 147 | 59–87–1 | 3,072 | 5,060 | 60.7 | 34,990 | 6.9 | 98 | 223 | 169 | 82.3 | 575 | 2,623 | 4.6 | 31 | 21 | 300 | 1,576 | 84 | 30 |
=Career awards, highlights, and records=
- NFL Rookie of the Week (Week 12, 2005)
- AFC Offensive Player of the Month (September 2011){{Cite web |date=September 29, 2011 |title=Fitzpatrick named AFC Offensive Player of the Month |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/news/fitzpatrick-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-month-5939614?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=www.buffalobills.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211053011/https://www.buffalobills.com/news/fitzpatrick-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-month-5939614?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |url-status=live }}
- 5× AFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 13, 2014; Week 14, Week 16, 2015; Week 2, 2016; Week 16, 2019)
- 3× NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 12, 2005; Week 1, 2018; Week 2, 2018)
- 2× FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week (Week 13, 2014; Week 1, 2018)
- Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week (Week 16, 2015){{Cite web |date=December 28, 2015 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Castrol EDGE Clutch Performer of Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-castrol-edge-clutch-performer-of-week-0ap3000000611771 |access-date=September 22, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135626/https://www.nfl.com/news/ryan-fitzpatrick-castrol-edge-clutch-performer-of-week-0ap3000000611771 |url-status=live }}
- Ed Block Courage Award (2015){{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Manish |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick won the Ed Block Courage Award & Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award in vote by #NYJ players/staff. |url=https://twitter.com/mmehtanydn/status/682927383142346752 |access-date=December 10, 2018 |website=Twitter.com |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135937/https://twitter.com/mmehtanydn/status/682927383142346752 |url-status=live }}
- Miami Dolphins Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award (2019){{Cite web |last=Habib |first=Hal |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Miami Dolphins name QB Ryan Fitzpatrick team MVP |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20191226/miami-dolphins-name-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-team-mvp |access-date=January 6, 2021 |website=The Palm Beach Post |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108072636/https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20191226/miami-dolphins-name-qb-ryan-fitzpatrick-team-mvp |url-status=live }}
- Miami Dolphins Don Shula Leadership Award (2020){{Cite web |date=January 5, 2021 |title=Dolphins Announce 2020 Team Award Winners |url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/dolphins-announce-2020-team-award-winners |access-date=January 6, 2021 |website=miamidolphins.com |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105221648/https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/dolphins-announce-2020-team-award-winners |url-status=live }}
=NFL records=
- Most consecutive regular-season games with at least two touchdown passes in one stadium during a season: 9 (MetLife Stadium, 2015){{Cite web |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/M1y50 |title=Regular Season-MetLife Stadium-Passing 2+TD |access-date=October 19, 2017 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922135629/https://stathead.com/tools/tiny.fcgi?id=M1y50 |url-status=live }}
- Most career passing touchdowns by an Ivy League graduate: 223{{Cite web |last=Wagner-McGough |first=Sean |date=November 12, 2015 |title=WATCH: Ryan Fitzpatrick breaks Sid Luckman's Ivy League TDs record |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25372103/watch-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-sid-luckmans-td-record-for-an-ivy-league-qb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112072343/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25372103/watch-ryan-fitzpatrick-breaks-sid-luckmans-td-record-for-an-ivy-league-qb |archive-date=January 12, 2016 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |website=CBSSports.com}}
- First quarterback to start a game against one opponent (Jacksonville Jaguars) with six different teams (St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins)
- First quarterback to throw four touchdown passes in a single game with six different teams (Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins)
- First quarterback to start and win against same opponent (Jacksonville Jaguars) with six different teams
- Most touchdown passes of at least 50 yards through a team's first two games: 4 (tied with Joe Namath){{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=September 16, 2018 |title=Bucs' Ryan Fitzpatrick throws for 400 yards, 4 TDs in win over Eagles |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24702351/ryan-fitzpatrick-throws-4-tds-tampa-bay-buccaneers-win-philadelphia-eagles |access-date=October 17, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109034510/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24702351/ryan-fitzpatrick-throws-4-tds-tampa-bay-buccaneers-win-philadelphia-eagles |url-status=live }}
- Most consecutive games of 400 yards passing and four touchdowns to begin a season: 2 (2018){{Cite web |date=September 17, 2018 |title=FitzMagic Milestones |url=https://www.joebucsfan.com/2018/09/fitzmagic-milestones/ |access-date=September 17, 2021 |website=JoeBucsFan.com |language=en-US |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917192531/https://www.joebucsfan.com/2018/09/fitzmagic-milestones/ |url-status=live }}
- Most consecutive games of 400 yards passing to begin a season: 3 (2018){{Cite web |last=Arcia |first=Gil |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Fitzpatrick sets an NFL record in 30–27 loss to the Steelers |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2018/9/24/17899582/buccaneers-ryan-fitzpatrick-nfl-record-in-loss-to-the-steelers |access-date=October 17, 2020 |website=bucsnation.com |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411135538/https://www.bucsnation.com/2018/9/24/17899582/buccaneers-ryan-fitzpatrick-nfl-record-in-loss-to-the-steelers |url-status=live }}
- Most consecutive games of 400 yards passing: 3 (2018)
- Most games with at least 400 passing yards in a single season: 4 (tied with Dan Marino and Peyton Manning){{Cite web |last=Stellino |first=Vito |date=March 18, 2019 |title=Stellino: Fitzpatrick is the ultimate journeyman QB |url=https://thefanatic.com/nfl/2019/03/stellino-fitzpatrick-is-the-ultimate-journeyman-qb/ |access-date=October 2, 2020 |website=The Fanatic |language=en-US |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001143316/https://thefanatic.com/nfl/2019/03/stellino-fitzpatrick-is-the-ultimate-journeyman-qb/ |url-status=live }}
- 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.{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2019 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick has now thrown a TD pass against the Eagles with 7 different franchises |url=https://twitter.com/nflresearch/status/1201214920655687680 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |website=Twitter |publisher=NFL Research |language=en |archive-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906171042/https://twitter.com/nflresearch/status/1201214920655687680 |url-status=live }}
- Only player to rush for a touchdown for eight different teams (Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers, Dolphins)
== Bills franchise records ==
- Longest touchdown pass by a Bills player: 98 yards (against Jacksonville Jaguars on November 22, 2009; tied with Josh Allen){{Cite news |last=Warren |first=Matt |date=November 23, 2010 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Continues To Imprint Bills Record Books |url=https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/11/23/1831900/ryan-fitzpatrick-continues-to-imprint-bills-record-books |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=Buffalo Rumblings |language=en |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020125543/https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/11/23/1831900/ryan-fitzpatrick-continues-to-imprint-bills-record-books |url-status=live }}
== Texans franchise records ==
- Most passing touchdowns in a single game: 6 (against Tennessee Titans on November 30, 2014){{Cite web |last=Corzo |first=David |date=December 3, 2014 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick's Six Touchdowns, Ranked |url=https://www.battleredblog.com/2014/12/3/7321661/ryan-fitzpatricks-record-setting-six-touchdowns-against-the-titans |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=Battle Red Blog |language=en |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020230908/https://www.battleredblog.com/2014/12/3/7321661/ryan-fitzpatricks-record-setting-six-touchdowns-against-the-titans |url-status=live }}
== Jets franchise records ==
== Buccaneers franchise records ==
- Only quarterback with consecutive weeks of 400 yards passing: Weeks 1–3, 2018{{cite web |last1=Zucker |first1=Joseph |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 1st in NFL History to Throw for 400 Yards in 3 Straight Games |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2797475-ryan-fitzpatrick-1st-in-nfl-history-to-throw-for-400-yards-in-3-straight-games |website=bleacherreport.com |publisher=Bleacher Report, Inc. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219195214/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2797475-ryan-fitzpatrick-1st-in-nfl-history-to-throw-for-400-yards-in-3-straight-games |url-status=live }}
- Most games with at least 400 passing yards in a season: 4 (2018){{cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2018 Game Log |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110150444/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2018/ |url-status=live }}
- Most consecutive weeks of having a passer rating of at least 140.0 in a season: 2 (2018){{cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick highest passer rating in a regular-season game |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/ryan-fitzpatrick-highest-passer-rating |website=statmuse.com |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219195744/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/ryan-fitzpatrick-highest-passer-rating |url-status=live }}
Post-NFL career
On June 21, 2022, it was announced that Fitzpatrick would become a pre-game and postgame analyst for Amazon's Thursday Night Football.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=June 21, 2022 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick: Joining Amazon made a lot of sense for me |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/06/21/ryan-fitzpatrick-joining-amzaon-made-a-lot-of-sense-for-me/ |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624082018/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/06/21/ryan-fitzpatrick-joining-amzaon-made-a-lot-of-sense-for-me/ |url-status=live }}
In 2023, Fitzpatrick became a spokesman for DraftKings.{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2023 |title=DraftKings debuts new campaign for launch of NFL season |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/08/14/draftkings-new-tagline-nfl-season |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}}
The following year in 2024, Fitzpatrick, along with fellow NFL alumnus and Thursday Night Football analyst Andrew Whitworth, launched the Fitz & Whit podcast under Wave Sports + Entertainment.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-25 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth Launching New Podcast ‘Fitz & Whit' |url=https://www.si.com/media/ryan-fitzpatrick-andrew-whitworth-launching-new-podcast-fitz-whit |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=SI |language=en-US}}
Personal life
Fitzpatrick is married to Liza Barber. As of 2021, they have seven children: three sons and four daughters.{{Cite web |last=Serby |first=Steve |date=December 24, 2015 |title=This is Ryan Fitzpatrick's best Christmas ever |url=https://nypost.com/2015/12/24/ryan-fitzpatricks-christmas-and-life-180-painfully-immobile-to-best-ever |access-date=September 25, 2018 |website=NYPost.com |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926090040/https://nypost.com/2015/12/24/ryan-fitzpatricks-christmas-and-life-180-painfully-immobile-to-best-ever/ |url-status=live }} Fitzpatrick never removes his wedding ring, including during games; Fitzpatrick stated in a 2011 interview, "It's important for me not to take it off."{{Cite web |last=Shpigel |first=Ben |date=November 3, 2011 |title=For Bills' Quarterback, Losing (Wedding Ring) Is Not an Option |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/sports/football/quarterbacks-unusual-call-wearing-his-wedding-band.html |website=The New York Times |accessdate=October 7, 2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030832/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/sports/football/quarterbacks-unusual-call-wearing-his-wedding-band.html |url-status=live }} He was named the fifth-smartest athlete in sports by Sporting News in 2010.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2010 |title=SN names the 20 smartest athletes in sports |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/feed/2010-09/smart-athletes/story/sporting-news-names-the-20-smartest-athletes-in-sports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523023358/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/feed/2010-09/smart-athletes/story/sporting-news-names-the-20-smartest-athletes-in-sports |archive-date=May 23, 2013 |access-date=September 22, 2011 |website=The Sporting News}}
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."{{Cite web |last=Farmer |first=Sam |date=September 22, 2011 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick has the Bills charged |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-sep-22-la-sp-farmer-nfl-fitzpatrick-20110923-story.html |access-date=August 23, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111225625/https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-sep-22-la-sp-farmer-nfl-fitzpatrick-20110923-story.html |url-status=live }}
He continues to support the Bills, attending the Bills' wild card playoff game against the New England Patriots in 2021 in which he took off his shirt in the stands despite freezing weather.{{Cite web |last=Wojton |first=Nick |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick was shirtless at Bills' wild-card game because of course he was |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2022/01/16/ryan-fitzpatrick-buffalo-bills-wild-card-game-new-england-patriots/79280436007/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Bills Wire |language=en-US}} Fitzpatrick has repeated the feat twice to the pleasure of Bills fans, once while interviewing Josh Allen after a Thursday Night Football game,{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Ryan |date=2023-10-27 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick keeps his word, gives shirtless hug to Bills’ Josh Allen (Video) |url=https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2023/10/ryan-fitzpatrick-goes-shirtless-and-hugs-bills-josh-allen-after-qbs-big-night-vs-buccaneers-watch.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Syracuse.com |language=en}} and again while "leading the charge" before a 2024 playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Arnold |first=Christian |date=2025-01-20 |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick goes shirtless in freezing temps to hype Bills fans |url=https://nypost.com/2025/01/19/sports/ryan-fitzpatrick-goes-shirtless-in-freezing-temps-to-hype-bills-fans/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |language=en-US}} Fitzpatrick names Allen as his favorite quarterback to watch.
See also
- List of National Football League career quarterback wins leaders
- List of National Football League career passer rating leaders
- List of National Football League career passing completions leaders
- List of National Football League career passing touchdowns leaders
- List of National Football League career passing yards leaders
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Ryan Fitzpatrick}}
- {{Football stats |nfl=ryan-fitzpatrick|espn=8664|yahoo=7426|pfr=F/FitzRy00}}
- [https://gocrimson.com/sports/football/roster/ryan-ftizpatrick/921 Harvard Crimson bio]
{{Navboxes |title= |list1=
{{Harvard Crimson quarterback navbox}}
{{Rams2005DraftPicks}}
{{Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Buffalo Bills starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Tennessee Titans starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Houston Texans starting quarterback navbox}}
{{New York Jets starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Miami Dolphins starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Washington Commanders starting quarterbacks}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Fitzpatrick, Ryan}}
Category:American football quarterbacks
Category:Buffalo Bills players
Category:Cincinnati Bengals players
Category:Harvard Crimson football players
Category:Houston Texans players
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Miami Dolphins players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Players of American football from Gilbert, Arizona
Category:St. Louis Rams players
Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players