Veteran Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick Makes Decision On NFL Future

Los Angeles Chargers v Washington Football Team

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Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is retiring from football after 17 NFL seasons.

Fred Jackson, Fitzpatrick's former teammate with the Buffalo Bills -- his longest tenured franchise -- initially announced the quarterback's decision with a screengrab that appears to be a conversation with "Fitzy" in which he names many of his former teammates, along with the text "forever grateful for the magical ride."

"Congrats on a Helluva career, Fitzy!! Loved sharing the field with you!! The gratitude is all mine!! #BillsMafia #fitzmagic," Jackson posted on his verified Twitter account along with the screengrab.

Fitzpatrick's decision was later confirmed by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who added that a career in broadcasting was "quite likely in his future."

Fitzpatrick, 39, spent his final NFL season with the now-Washington Commanders, but was limited to just one appearance after experiencing a season-ending hip injury in Week 1.

Fitzpatrick has excelled as the NFL's ultimate journeyman quarterback, becoming the only player to start and throw touchdowns for eight different teams: the then-St. Louis Rams (2005-06); Cincinnati Bengals (2007-08); Bills (2009-12); Tennessee Titans (2013); Houston Texans (2014); New York Jets (2015-16); Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18) and Miami Dolphins, where he spent two seasons in 2019 and 2020, which including splitting time with rookie first-round quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, before joining Washington last offseason.


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