Bills HC Sean McDermott: Shirtless Ryan Fitzpatrick at playoff game was 'awesome'
Current Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick missed the majority of the 2021 season because of a hip injury , but he didn't let that stop him from cheering on the Buffalo Bills, his former employer, during what became a blowout playoff victory over the New England Patriots on Saturday night.
Fitzpatrick went viral when he elected to go shirtless at the stadium despite the wind chill causing temperatures to fall below zero:
On Monday, Bills coach Sean McDermott touched upon the signal-caller who featured for the franchise from 2009 through 2012.
"From what I know of Fitz it's fitting," McDermott explained, according to the NFL's website. "I think it's awesome. For a guy that's been here and support the organization like that and be part of the environment. It's pretty cool."
20-year-old engineering student Billy Fisher spoke with Erik Brady of USA Today about meeting Fitzpatrick and taking a picture while both posed without shirts in the freezing cold.
"I saw he had his off, and I saw guys on the video board with theirs off," Fisher said. "So I just started to take mine off."
In total, Fitzpatrick made 53 starts and 55 appearances during his Buffalo tenure, during which he earned his "FitzMagic" nickname. It's unknown if the 39-year-old will take another snap in a meaningful NFL game or if he'll attend this coming Sunday's postseason matchup between Buffalo and the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, but his recent actions indicate he won't miss any part of the Bills' playoff journey.
More must-reads: