NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced Thursday that Ryan Fitzpatrick is retiring after 17 seasons in the league. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said that Fitzpatrick is in discussions with Amazon Prime Video for a prominent position in the company’s NFL coverage this season. Fitzpatrick is known for dramatic endings, and his choice has saddened many fans. It is yet unknown if Fitzpatrick will be replaced.
Fitzpatrick’s road to the NFL was both unexpected and amazing. In 2005, the Harvard graduate was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round (250th overall), making him the final quarterback picked in that draft. Following that, a difficult yet magnificent career packed with uniform changes and heart-stopping moments unfolded.
Fitzpatrick faced Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football in 2018, in which he completed 30 of 50 passes for 411 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, and passed for 430 yards for the second week in a row. Fitzpatrick almost guided the New York Jets to an improbable playoff spot in their debut season under Todd Bowles in 2015, but the Jets fell just short of the postseason after winning five straight games between Weeks 12 and 16, falling 22-17 to Buffalo in Week 17.
