Ryan Fitzpatrick was the NFL’s greatest journeyman QB. FrontOffice33 | NFL
announced his official retirement on Thursday afternoon. Fitzpatrick enjoyed a legendary 17-year career and deserves appropriate recognition as the greatest veteran journeyman quarterback of all time. Fitzpatrick played for nine different teams and often represented the best “fall-back” option for teams that sought to remain competitive despite lacking a clear-cut starter under center. Fitzpatrick rescued teams from experiencing further embarrassment time and time again.
The Gilbert, Arizona native may be best remembered by a faithful Bills fan base for making Buffalo football watchable throughout a tough period for the franchise. He quarterbacked the Bills for the better part of four seasons and enjoyed his breakout season in 2010. Fitzpatrick threw for 23 touchdowns en route to proving himself worthy of being Buffalo’s starting quarterback during a transitional period. Fitzpatrick started all 32 games over the next two campaigns.
The next journeys brought Fitzpatrick to Tampa Bay and Miami. Fitzpatrick made 14 appearances for the Buccaneers across two seasons, including 10 starts. He provided a youngwith the guidance necessary to acclimate to the league. A three-game suspension for Winston thrust Fitzpatrick back into the limelight and he made the most of his opportunity.