Marshall recalls first impression of QB Fitzpatrick: ‘He was terrible’

Brandon Marshall knew very little about Ryan Fitzpatrick when they became teammates last off-season.

The New York Jets’ wide receiver had heard of the quarterback, of course. But it was Fitzpatrick wearing his wedding ring during games and practices that stood out to Marshall.

“I thought that was really weird and awkward,” he joked Thursday. Then he saw Fitzpatrick throw. “He was terrible,” Marshall recalled. “He really was. I mean, he was coming off a broken leg. A 5-yard hitch route and he’d throw it in the dirt.”

Fitzpatrick, who was acquired from Houston as a veteran backup to Geno Smith, came to the Jets still rehabilitating from a fractured left tibia suffered in a game in December 2014. During off-season workouts, the rust was still apparent, and it concerned Marshall.

“Everybody felt that way,” he said. “We were like, ‘ What the heck? If Geno goes down, we’re in trouble.’ That’s how everybody felt.”

On Aug. 11, 2015, Marshall’s fear would be put to the test.

Smith was slugged by then-teammate Ikemefuna Enemkpali and his jaw was broken. The Jets’ season was thrust into uncertainty with one punch.

“I was scared,” Marshall said. “It was over. Season’s over. We’re done.”

Fitzpatrick hadn’t worked much with Marshall, Eric Decker and the starters, so the process of gaining a rapport was gradual. Fitzpatrick’s leg had healed, so lousy-looking throws were no longer an issue.

Little could anyone have guessed the Jets would have one of the most productive offensive seasons in team history. Fitzpatrick galvanized the locker-room with his leadership and play, tossing a franchise-record 31 touchdown passes while getting New York within a win of the playoffs.

“He proved us wrong,” Marshall said. “He’s pretty good.”

That’s why Marshall and Decker were among a handful of Jets players who campaigned to bring Fitzpatrick back this season.

Fitzpatrick agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal the day before training camp started last month.

“I actually think he’s better this year,” Marshall said. “He’s comfortable back there. He’s really good right now. He’s impressive.”