‘Fitz’ calls it quits after 17 seasons
TheFitzMagic has run out. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is retiring, he confirmed to The Associated Press in a text message on Friday, ending a career that spanned 17 seasons and nine teams and made him one of the NFL’s most colorful and beloved journey men.
It was a career of perseverance in which Fitzpatrick never settled for being a backup. Carrying himself with playful determination and a swashbuckling style reflected by his unruly beard, the seventh-round draft pick out of Harvard overcame his physical limitations and modest college roots to become the NFL’s first player to throwfour touchdown passes in a single game with five different teams.
Chan Gailey, who coached Fitzpatrick at three separate stops, called Fitzpatrick’s leadership ability “the best I’vebeen around.”
“He’s a fierce competitor. He’s extremely smart. So he had answers for players. And players always respect somebody that has answers,” Gailey said. “But he never lorded it over them that he was smarter than everybody else. He was humble smart.”
Fitzpatrick informed former teammates of his decision on Thursday, and former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson was the first to reveal on Twitter that the veteran QB planned to retire. Jackson shared an image from Fitzpatrick with the names of hundreds of teammates, along with the message: “Forever grateful for themagical ride.”
Jackson responded by writing: “Congrats on a Helluva career, Fitzy!! Loved sharing the field with you!! Thegratitude is all mine!!”
The 39-year-old Fitzpatrick’s last stop was in Washington. Named the starter ahead of last season, he suffered a hip injury in the team’s season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and never returned to the field.
49ers
Seven-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is retiring after 13 years in the NFL, leavinga major hole in the middle of San Francisco’s offensive line. It is a move the 49ers had been bracing for this offseason. Mack was drafted 21st overall out of California by theBrowns in 2009.
Bills
Buffalo signed veteran receiver Tavon Austin, a former West Virginia standout. Austin was an unrestricted free agent after appearing in seven games last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, with whom he had 24 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown. He missed the start of last season because of a groin injury.