Former Buccaneers RB explains why retired quarterback is a legend
By Rob Leeds
Some Buccaneers fans take issue with calling Ryan Fitzpatrick a legend. His career and impacts on his teammates would disagree with those naysayers.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a Buccaneers legend. It makes sense that some people would take issue with this statement based on the short period he was with the team and what the team accomplished, but legends can go beyond winning Super Bowls or even making the playoffs.
Fitzmagic was a breath of fresh air during a time where the Bucs franchise needed something to be excited about. It might have only been a few weeks, but the Buccaneers and Fitzpatrick were on top of the world for that fleeting moment that made the decade of mediocrity before that point seem like a distant memory.
The Buccaneers fans got hope from Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback, and the players also got their share of benefit from having one of the most unique players in league history as their quarterback for that phase.
Former pass-catching running back Jacquizz Rodgers explained on Twitter why guys like Fitzpatrick were special to him individually.
The realest to ever do it. Never forget I had a catch incentive in play and Fitz use to come ask every Tuesday how far are we away. I remember him checking the ball down to me Vs the redskins in 18’ to make sure I get it. Enjoy retirement the real “Fear the Beard” https://t.co/6gXGbcUv7A
— JacQuizz Rodgers (@Qui22Rodgers) June 4, 2022
Fitzpatrick and Rodgers weren’t full-time starters on that team, but the ability to form this connection to help one of his guys out shows why Fitzpatrick has been able to sustain such a long and successful career.
No one on the planet ever has anything bad to say about the journeyman quarterback, and stories like this from Rodgers paint that in a perfect light.
Looking back at the 2018 season like Rodgers said, which also happened to be his last year on the Bucs, the running back did have a season-high eight catches in that affair against Washington.
Fitzpatrick did legitimately care about his guys, and it was that level of caring about his players that makes so many guys come forward after his retirement with nothing but good things to say.
Ryan Fitzpatrick might not retire a very successful playoff quarterback, but he is going to be missed by a wide portion of the league due to his incredible character and abilities as a teammate both on and off the field.
Caring about your teammates and leaving an impact like this on both your teammates and the fanbase makes you a legend far more than your stats and accolades.
It will be interesting to see what other stories we see coming out like this one over the coming weeks.
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