Re-signed Fitzpatrick welcomed back by happy Jets teammates

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Ryan Fitzpatrick showed up at the New York Jets’ practice facility with just a few minutes to spare.

The quarterback had just agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal Wednesday night, ending a contract stalemate that dragged on for months.

Finally getting the OK from his agent, Fitzpatrick wanted to rejoin his teammates in time for their 7 p.m. team meeting with coach Todd Bowles to kick off training camp.

One problem: His security code to the building no longer worked.

So, he had to text wide receiver Brandon Marshall to borrow his code to get inside the building. Then, Fitzpatrick hurried into the auditorium to the surprise of some Jets players and coaches.

“I might have been 3 seconds late, which is a minute late, I guess,” Fitzpatrick said after the Jets’ first camp practice Thursday, “but I wasn’t technically under contract, so I don’t think they can fine me.”

Fitzpatrick quickly apologized to Bowles for his ever-so slightly tardy arrival.

“He said, ‘I’m sorry I’m late, Coach,” Bowles said before smiling. “I told him, ‘That’s a $12 million fine.’”

Fitzpatrick officially signed his new contract about 10 minutes before practice began. Then, he headed out to the field and was greeted by the theme song to the 1970s sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter” blaring through the speakers lining the sideline.

Smiles and laughs. Fitz is back, and the Jets have their starting quarterback under center again.

“I always thought this day would come,” Fitzpatrick said. “I just had no idea it would take this long and then when it took so long, I wasn’t sure how long it would exactly take. But I’m glad we got it done for that first team meeting.”

It was just like old times when Fitzpatrick hit Marshall down the left sideline for a long “touchdown” pass that drew some loud cheers from a small group of fans. The quarterback’s bushy beard was nothing new, but his over-coiffed hairdo drew some razzing from his teammates.

“Full beard, mini ‘fro,” wide receiver Eric Decker joked. “It looked like he just got off the golf course.”