Since Ryan Fitzpatrick signed with the Washington Football Team back in March, numerous WFT players have talked about their respect for the veteran quarterback. Players from Chase Young to Antonio Gibson to Terry McLaurin have all took turns praising the 17-year veteran.
Fitzpatrick made his preseason debut for Washington in a 22-13 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday. During his short time in the game, Fitzpatrick was efficient, completing five of eight passes for 58 yards.
Even though he played less than a quarter, it was a strong showing for Fitzpatrick. He already has a strong rapport with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Adam Humphries and tight end Logan Thomas.
Fitzpatrick’s history shows there will be bumps in the road. But, for the first time in years, this is Fitzpatrick’s team. His teammates respect him. They believe in him.
Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall played with Fitzpatrick for two seasons with the New York Jets. In their first season together in 2015, Fitzpatrick had perhaps the best season of his NFL career before the entire team struggled to a 5-11 the following season.
Marshall has fond memories of Fitzpatrick, citing how impressed he was with how Fitzpatrick could relate to every person in the organization.
“I don’t know where he finds the capacity to build individual relationships with these guys,” Marshall said in an outstanding piece on Fitzpatrick by Robert Mays of The Athletic. “The dude is a next-level leader.”
That’s quite the praise from a former All-Pro wide receiver.
If Fitzpatrick can lead Washington to the playoffs in 2021, he will cement himself as a legend among his teammates and the fan base.