Let this be a lesson for every starting quarterback in the NFL: If your team signs Ryan Fitzpatrick then watch out. Your days are numbered.
The Ryan Fitzpatrick curse is real, and it got Jameis Winston
Be afraid, be very afraid.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Fitzpatrick is basically the NFL’s Final Destination, and on Sunday the Buccaneers quarterback claimed a new victim in Jameis Winston when he injured his shoulder against the Cardinals. The run of misfortune that befalls starting QBs is astronomical when Fitzpatrick is on the team, and The Washington Post took notice.
Like Pantene, Fitzpatrick’s curse might not happen overnight — but it will happen. When Fitzgerald is the backup or benched, the quarterback in front of him will go down, normally in an unforeseen way. His list of victims is impressive:
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Wall of Horrors
Year | Team | Starting QB | Injury | Games missed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Rams | Marc Bulger | Shoulder | 8 |
| 2008 | Bengals | Carson Palmer | Elbow | 12 |
| 2009 | Bills | Trent Edwards | Concussion | 8 |
| 2013 | Titans | Jake Locker | Foot | 9 |
| 2014 | Texans | Ryan Mallett | Pectoral | 2 |
| 2015 | Jets | Geno Smith | Punched in face | 15 |
| 2016 | Jets | Geno Smith | Knee | 9 |
| 2016 | Jets | Bryce Petty | Labrum | 1 |
| 2017 | Buccaneers | Jameis Winston | Shoulder | TBA |
Fitzpatrick is a Harvard-educated, bearded, specter of misery. His list of exploits is impressive, his tally of victims vast. Fitzpatrick might come to a town near you, and watch out if he does — because misfortune is about to befall your quarterback.
