Ryan Fitzpatrick, born on November 24, 1982 in Gilbert, Arizona, was destined for a career in football from an early age. He attended Highland High School where he excelled on the gridiron, earning him a scholarship to play college football at Harvard University.
While at Harvard, Fitzpatrick made a name for himself as a standout quarterback and was named the Ivy League MVP. His talent and leadership on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts, paving the way for his professional football career.
After being selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Fitzpatrick began his journeyman career in the league. He would go on to play for several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans.
It wasn't until 2015 when Fitzpatrick had his breakout season with the New York Jets. He led the team to a 10-6 record, throwing for 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His performance that year broke Vinny Testaverde's franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season.
Despite his success in 2015, Fitzpatrick struggled to maintain that level of play in the following season. He was eventually cut by the Jets and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. It was in Tampa where Fitzpatrick would once again prove his worth, stepping in as the starting quarterback and delivering impressive performances on the field.
Off the field, Fitzpatrick is a devoted husband and father. He married his longtime partner, Liza Barber, in 2006. Together, they have two sons named Brady and Tate, as well as a daughter named Lucy.
Throughout his career, Fitzpatrick has cemented himself as one of the most beloved quarterbacks in the NFL. He holds the record for most career touchdown passes by an Ivy League quarterback in the league, breaking Sid Luckman's previous record.
With his talent, determination, and resilience, Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His journey from a seventh-round draft pick to an NFL star is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game he loves.
As he continues to play at the highest level, Fitzpatrick's legacy will only grow stronger, inspiring future generations of players to never give up on their dreams.