The Jacksonville Jaguars will get the primetime spotlight this week as they take on the Miami Dolphins for Thursday Night Football. It’s a matchup that should make Gardner Minshew II feel right at home after kicking off Minshew Mania in the same setting last year. As many are aware, that game took place against the Tennessee Titans and was a win for the Cardiac Cats by a score of 20-7.
Since that game, Minshew has continued to be successful and has developed a huge following. Part of that has been because of his play, of course, and the other part of it has been due to his unique look and legendary mustache.
However, on the other side of the field will be another quarterback who has also become a legend due to his look and that’s the man with arguably the greatest beard in the NFL: Ryan Fitzpatrick. During media rounds, Fitzpatrick was asked to speak on his matchup against Minshew and was also asked who has the cooler look as far as facial hair goes and his answer wasn’t surprising.
Ryan Fitzpatrick's full comments on mustache vs. beard. This is personal huh. Let the games begin. pic.twitter.com/A5ILELwlM0
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyTV) September 22, 2020
Of course, it didn’t take too long for Minshew to hear about Fitzpatrick’s presser and the second-year player answered with a comeback of his own, stating that he could also grow a flawless beard but would respect his elders.
"I can grow a beard with no patchy sides but you know I'm going to have respect for my elders especially when they are… much… much… elder"
Gardner Minshew responds to Ryan Fitzpatrick with some subtle heat pic.twitter.com/UI0Wu2rFYA
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphyTV) September 22, 2020
Many people are overlooking Thursday’s game because of the expectations for both teams, but we got to hand it to Minshew and Fitzpatrick for making it more exciting. It wouldn’t be shocking to see both players follow up their friendly exchange with solid performances as both the Jags and Dolphins have struggling defenses at the moment.
Not only will Thursday’s game be a battle to decide who the facial hair king of the NFL is, but it will also be an in-state rivalry game. For now, the Jags lead the all-time series with a record of 5-4, so the Dolphins will be aiming to make it even Week 3.