Former Jet quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is retiring from the NFL after 17 seasons, he announced on Thursday.
The 39-year-old journeyman started games for 9 different NFL franchises throughout his career (an NFL record for quarterbacks), including a 2-year stint with Gang Green in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Congrats on a Helluva career, Fitzy!! Loved sharing the field with you!! The gratitude is all mine!! #BillsMafia #fitzmagic pic.twitter.com/s7n4DsiLJ7
— Fred Jackson (@Fred22Jackson) June 2, 2022
His tenure at MetLife Stadium started out well, as the Jets posted a solid 10–6 record in his first season with the Jets — as Fitzpatrick recorded a solid 59.6% completion percentage, while tossing 31 touchdowns. Still, the Jets failed to make the playoffs, as the 12-win Patriots captured the division.
The following year saw the Jets make a significant downturn, as they won just 5 games under the leadership of then-head coach Todd Bowles. In 14 games that season, Fitzpatrick saw a measly 12 touchdowns, while recording 17 interceptions.
As a gun-for-hire, who never spent more than 4 seasons with a single franchise, and who has never played in a playoff game, Fitzpatrick’s career had been marred by his tendency to throw questionable passes that often ended up in the hands of opposing defensive backs.
In his career, Fitzpatrick has a 223–169 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
For more coverage of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets, head to amNY.com.
While Jets fans will remember him for his play under center in north Jersey, upstate New Yorkers will also recall the bearded passer for his 4 seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bills between 2009 and 2012.
That stint, which was relative-longevity for Fitzpatrick, saw a putrid 22–42 record, and they finished last in the NFC East each of those years.
Fitzpatrick most recently played for the then-unnamed Washington team, though he suffered a hip injury in the opening game of 2021, which ended his season.
Now, that has proven to be his last game in an NFL uniform.
