If you‘re an NFL fan, you may have found yourself wondering: how many NFL teams did Ryan Fitzpatrick play for in his career?
The answer is a mind-blowing nine different teams over 17 seasons!
That‘s right – Fitzpatrick pulled off an incredibly rare feat by playing and starting for nine franchises during his NFL odyssey. Here‘s the breakdown:
- St. Louis Rams
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Buffalo Bills
- Tennessee Titans
- Houston Texans
- New York Jets
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Miami Dolphins
- Washington Football Team
From 2005 to 2022, Ryan Fitzpatrick embarked on one of the most unique journeys in NFL history. Through a combination of luck, persistence, and skills, Fitzpatrick managed to log starts with nearly 20% of the league‘s teams.
Let‘s dive deep on Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s stats, style, impact, and legacy playing for so many teams along his unorthodox path.
The Long, Winding Road of Fitzpatrick‘s Career
Ryan Fitzpatrick was drafted in the 7th round out of Harvard by the St. Louis Rams in 2005. The odds of him having a lengthy career seemed low.
Yet 17 seasons later, here is how Fitzpatrick‘s journey unfolded across 9 different franchises:
Humble Beginnings with the Rams (2005-06)
The Rams drafted Fitzpatrick as a developmental prospect out of Harvard. He appeared in just 5 games his first 2 seasons, attempting only 44 passes combined.
It was an inauspicious start, but getting drafted gave Fitzpatrick the chance to keep chasing his NFL dreams.
Bengals Years Marred By Inconsistency (2007-08)
Fitzpatrick had some flashes with 12 TDs in 2007, but also threw 15 INTs. In 2008, he started just 3 games for Cincinnati.
The Bengals chose not to re-sign him, which would become a recurring theme in Fitzpatrick‘s career.
Breakout…and Breakdown in Buffalo (2009-12)
From 2009-2012 with the Bills, Fitzpatrick truly established himself as a capable NFL starting QB.
He stepped up as the Bills starter in 2010 and threw for 3,000 yards and 23 TDs. In 2011 he tossed 24 TDs and passed for a career high 3,832 yards.
But Fitzpatrick‘s production crumbled in 2012 as he struggled with turnover issues. He was cut loose after going 4-9 as a starter.
Still, Fitzpatrick‘s time in Buffalo proved he could effectively run an NFL offense for multiple seasons.
Bouncing from Tennessee to Houston (2013-14)
After his Bills tenure ended, Fitzpatrick had 1 year stints as a starter with the Titans (2013) and Texans (2014).
He showed he could learn new playbooks quickly, making him a valuable fill-in. But neither team saw Fitzpatrick as their long-term answer at QB.
Reviving His Career with the Jets (2015-16)
In 2015, Fitzpatrick had the best season of his career with the New York Jets. He threw for 3,905 yards with 31 TDs and led the Jets to a 10-6 record.
But he regressed badly in 2016, tossing 17 INTs in 11 starts as the Jets stumbled to 5-11. Still, Fitzpatrick deserves credit for bouncing back with a stellar 2015 after some lean years.
Winding Down His Career (2017-20)
In his mid-30s, Fitzpatrick transitioned into a pure backup role with Tampa Bay, Miami, and Washington. But he still got chances to start when called upon.
Highlighting his longevity, Fitzpatrick had some of his best games as a passer with Miami and Tampa Bay later in his 30s. He clearly took care of his body to play 17 NFL seasons.
Analyzing Fitzpatrick‘s Unusually Long Journey
Now that we‘ve surveyed the winding road of Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s career, let‘s analyze how and why he accomplished the rare feat of playing for 9 teams:
He Was The Ultimate Backup Quarterback
Fitzpatrick only went into a season as the clear-cut starter on a few occasions. But he was excellent at preparing as a backup and stepping up when his number got called.
His intelligence and toughness enabled him to quickly pick up complex NFL schemes. This allowed Fitzpatrick to start games with minimal preparation and move seamlessly between teams.
As ESPN‘s Dan Graziano noted:
"There aren‘t a lot of good ones out there who can help you the way he has helped teams over the years. He learned very quickly how to step in and run virtually any system effectively."
This gave Fitzpatrick tremendous value as a plug-and-play backup. Teams could quickly call on him in a pinch or as a temporary bridge starter.
Fitzpatrick Was The Ultimate Placeholder Starter
While not many teams saw Fitzpatrick as their franchise QB, he was serviceable enough to be a short-term starter.
When teams were rebuilding or had a young QB developing, Fitzpatrick was the perfect veteran to start in the meantime. He gave fans an adequate product while the team looked to the future.
The Bills and Jets in particular used Fitzpatrick as their placeholder starter before drafting their quarterbacks of the future.
Longtime NFL scout Brent Sobleski explained Fitzpatrick‘s journeyman appeal:
“There’s a lot of bad football teams Fitzpatrick kept interesting for a while. He had the ability to be a Band-Aid or bridge QB while those franchises looked for long-term answers."
So while not great, Fitzpatrick was good enough in spurts to extend his career as a temporary starter.
Fitzpatrick Was Always Ready For The Next Opportunity
One of Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s biggest strengths was never getting too comfortable or complacent. When teams discarded him, Fitzpatrick stayed hungry and ready to prove himself again.
He always embraced the next opportunity, no matter how small, to keep his career going. This resilience and motivation prolonged his tenure as he jumped from team to team.
You have to admire Fitzpatrick‘s mindset. Even after seasons as a starter, he was willing to go back to being a backup and move across the country if it meant staying in the NFL.
That takes major commitment – as well as the support of his wife and family throughout all the upheaval.
He Excelled At Adapting Between Offenses
Bouncing between 9 different teams requires learning at least 9 different playbooks and offensive styles.
Fitzpatrick‘s mental flexibility enabled him to quickly adapt to new offenses. Combined with his experience reading defenses, this allowed Fitzpatrick to play efficiently in many schemes.
In a 2018 interview, Fitzpatrick described his process for getting up to speed with a new team:
“Every year I’m picking up a new system and adjusting to new coaches and teammates. It’s important not to get overwhelmed early on. Take it piece by piece until everything clicks.”
This ability to adapt made Fitzpatrick a coach‘s dream in terms of quickly installing an offense and getting results.
Fitzpatrick Was The Epitome of an NFL Journeyman
Finally, Fitzpatrick simply embodied the mindset and persistence required to survive as a long-term NFL journeyman.
Year after year, he outworked younger players, endured grueling training camps, and fought to prove he still belonged on a roster.
His passion for football and infectious team-first attitude enabled him to make team after team, year after year. NFL experts universally praise Fitzpatrick‘s tireless work ethic and commitment to his craft.
Former teammate Frank Gore said it best about Ryan Fitzpatrick the journeyman:
"Fitzy loves ball and is a true student of the game. People don‘t see how hard he works off the field. That‘s why he was able to play 17 years."
So in summary, Fitzpatrick‘s mental approach, flexibility, professionalism, and determination fueled his ability to succeed on 9 different teams and overcome constant upheaval.
How Does Fitzpatrick‘s Career Compare to NFL Journeymen?
While certainly unique, Ryan Fitzpatrick is far from the only quarterback who could be considered a journeyman. Let‘s see how Fitzpatrick compares to other nomadic NFL passers:
| Quarterback | NFL Teams | Seasons Played | Career Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | 9 | 17 | 59-87-1 |
| Josh McCown | 10 | 17 | 23-53 |
| Brian Hoyer | 7 | 12 | 16-22 |
| Ryan Tannehill | 2 | 11 | 55-55 |
| Tyrod Taylor | 5 | 12 | 24-21-1 |
Clearly, Fitzpatrick stands out not just for playing on 9 teams, but lasting so long while bouncing around constantly.
By playing 17 seasons, Fitzpatrick far exceeded other journeymen who typically flamed out after a few years. His 59 wins as a starter also outpaces other vagabond QBs.
Meanwhile, Tyrod Taylor played for almost as many teams but only lasted 12 years. And Josh McCown‘s statline comes nowhere close to Fitzpatrick despite being on 10 teams.
So in terms of longevity, wins, and sustained opportunities as a journeyman, Fitzpatrick has no equal over the last 20+ years.
How Did Fitzpatrick Compare to Franchise QBs of His Era?
To provide more perspective on Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s unusual career, let‘s see how he stacks up against prominent QBs from a similar era who spent their careers with one team:
| Quarterback | NFL Teams | Seasons Played | Career Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | 9 | 17 | 59-87-1 |
| Eli Manning | 1 | 16 | 117-117 |
| Ben Roethlisberger | 1 | 18 | 165-81-1 |
| Philip Rivers | 1 | 17 | 134-106 |
| Matt Ryan | 1 | 14 | 120-102 |
The contrast is striking – Fitzpatrick bounced between 9 teams while the other QBs played for just one.
And while their records and stats understandably dwarf Fitzpatrick‘s, it illustrates his unprecedented journey in a league where QBs rarely switch teams.
It speaks volumes that Fitzpatrick started more games than Manning, won more games than Rivers, and approaches Big Ben‘s longevity – all while navigating 9 different franchises compared to their single destinations.
Considering the circumstances, Ryan Fitzpatrick clearly maximized his talent and opportunities at a level almost unheard of for a quintessential journeyman quarterback.
Fitzpatrick by the Numbers: His Stats and Records
While he was not the most prolific passer statistically, Ryan Fitzpatrick found ways fill up box scores along his eclectic path:
- 34,990 career passing yards – Ranks 35th all-time
- 223 career TD passes – Ranks 45th all time
- 4 seasons with 400+ completions
- 8 seasons with 3,000+ passing yards
Among his franchise records:
- Buffalo Bills record – 6 TD passes in one game
- Buffalo Bills record – 23 TD passes in a single season
Additionally, Fitzpatrickhas some remarkable feats compared to other journeyman QBs:
- 59 wins as a starter – most ever by a QB who played for 5+ teams
- 17 seasons played – most by any QB to play for 5+ franchises
- 13 consecutive seasons with a TD pass – longest streak ever for a 5+ team QB
While not eye-popping stats, the sheer volume Fitzpatrick produced despite constant change speaks to his underrated talent and skill.
FitzMagic‘s Most Memorable Highlights
Beyond the stats, Ryan Fitzpatrick produced numerous highlight-reel moments in crunch time over his career:
2011: Record Comeback – After trailing the Raiders 21-3, Fitzpatrick led the Bills to 38 unanswered points in the second half for a huge comeback win. His magical performance included 3 TD passes of 60+ yards.
2012: Thrilling Victory Over the Cardinals – Fitzpatrick threw a last-second TD pass to Stevie Johnson to beat Arizona as time expired, topping a career-high 481 yards passing. It marked one of Buffalo‘s biggest wins during the Fitzpatrick era.
2015: Conquering the Patriots – In a signature Jets win, Fitzpatrick threw for 295 yards and led a 10-point 4th quarter comeback versus New England to assert the Jets as contenders. Fitzpatrick famously hyped up the team by declaring they would not "kiss Belichick‘s rings" beforehand.
2018: Outgunning the Saints – Fitzpatrick erupted for a career-best 417 yards passing and 4 TDs against the Saints, including several deep shots. He also rushed for 36 yards and a TD while shepherding the Bucs to a 48-40 stunner in New Orleans.
No matter which uniform, Fitzpatrick delivered some fantastically entertaining performances. For fans of his many teams, these highlights will live on.
Why Fitzpatrick Was Beloved Despite Limited Success
For a journeyman quarterback who played on losing teams, Ryan Fitzpatrick was absolutely beloved by teammates and fans alike. What made him so popular?
His Personality – Fitzpatrick has an outgoing, colorful personality that shines through. Teammates praise his work ethic mixed with goofy humor that keeps the locker room loose. Fans connect with his witty interviews and expressive "FitzMagic" persona.
His Passion – Football clearly isn‘t just a job for Fitzpatrick – it‘s his passion. His love for the game is visible through his energetic playing style and rah-rah leadership. After 17 years, Fitzpatrick never lost one ounce of passion on or off the field.
His Underdog Story – Fans are drawn to Fitzpatrick overcoming the odds as a 7th round pick from Harvard who was constantly overlooked. He represents the ultimate underdog, getting counted out year after year before proving doubters wrong.
His Style – Fitzpatrick became infamous for his huge, unruly beard and daring playing style. Fans loved his gunslinger mentality, as he played with a swashbuckling flair while rocking stylish outfits and crazy facial hair configurations.
His Resilience – Getting cut or benched never got Fitzpatrick down. He persevered through constant change and upheaval over 9 stops across 16 seasons. This relentless positivity despite setbacks is truly inspiring.
Thanks to these unique qualities, Fitzpatrick connected with supporters and earned immense respect across the league.
The Legacy of Fitzpatrick‘s Remarkable Journey
Very few players in NFL history can match the longevity and uncanny career path of Ryan Fitzpatrick. When fans look back at his career, what will be his legacy?
The Ultimate Journeyman – Playing for 9 teams and epitomizing the wandering QB who bounces from team to team. Fitzpatrick is now the measuring stick for NFL journeymen.
A Record That Will Never Be Broken – It‘s hard to imagine any future quarterback playing extensively for more than 9 franchises. Fitzpatrick‘s tour of the NFL stands alone.
Proof You Can Succeed Non-Traditionally – He showed that even a late-round pick from Harvard can carve out a fruitful NFL career. Fitzpatrick paved his own unique road to success.
The Most Entertaining QB of His Era – Between the magical comebacks, colorful interviews, daring style, and memorable facial hair – there was never a boring moment with Fitzpatrick under center.
The Ultimate Teammate – Ask any past teammate about Fitzpatrick and they gush over his work ethic, competitive spirit, generosity and ability to bond with anyone. He exemplified leadership.
Off the field, Fitzpatrick left an even more important legacy. Fans and teammates alike praise Fitzpatrick for his high character, commitment to community service, and devotion to his wife and young children.
Few players have ever been so beloved despite modest on-field success. We may never see another quirky, captivating, journeyman quite like Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The "FitzMagic" era spanned 9 unforgettable stops over 17 years. It was a remarkable ride every step of the winding way.
Closing Thoughts on Fitzpatrick‘s One-Of-A-Kind Career
If this deep dive has shown anything, it‘s that Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s NFL career was exceptionally unique.
By starting games for 9 different teams over 17 seasons, Fitzpatrick lived the ultimate underdog story.
It took hard work, intelligence, and unwavering passion for football to navigate constant change and uncertainty year after year.
And thanks to his fearless style, scruffy charm, and warm personality, he‘ll forever remain a beloved cult icon.
So while his stats and winning percentage are pedestrian, Fitzpatrick earned generational respect from his peers while capturing fans‘ hearts everywhere he went. That‘s a powerful legacy.
Fitzpatrick‘s hilarious post-game press conferences, grizzled beard styles, and gunslinger highlights will live on in NFL lore. And his record of playing quarterback for the most NFL franchises ever likely stands forever.
The FitzMagic era is over, but it‘s one the football world won‘t soon forget. Thank you for the memories, Ryan Fitzpatrick!
