Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is retiring from the NFL after 17 seasons in the league, according to multiple reports.

Former Bills teammate Fred Jackson shared a text from Fitzpatrick on Thursday via Twitter with Fitzpatrick’s message reading: “Forever grateful for the ride.”

Fitzpatrick, 39, was the ultimate journeyman quarterback having played for nine NFL teams: Rams, Bengals, Bills, Titans, Texans, Jets, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Washington Football Team. He threw for 34,990 yards with 223 touchdowns passes and 169 interceptions resulting in an 82.3 career passer rating.

The 2005 seventh-round pick by the Rams entered last season as the starter in Washington. But he only threw six passes in Week 1 before sustaining a season-ending hip injury. Fitzpatrick was a free agent after his deal with Washington expired.

Fitzpatrick spent the most of his time with the Bills from 2009-2012. His best season came with the Jets in 2015 where he threw for 3,905 yards with 31 TDs and 15 interceptions as New York finished the season at 10-6.

He also received the nickname “Fitzmagic” after a Week 1 win against the Saints in the Superdome in 2018.

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

What impression did Fitzpatrick leave on you?

Larry Holder, NFL writer: There always seemed to be excitement with Fitzpatrick, for better or worse. One game Fitzpatrick might make a bundle of mistakes. And then the next game, Fitzpatrick would play like “Fitzmagic.” I covered the Bucs-Saints season opener in Week 1 of the 2018 season when “Fitzmagic” arrived. He played like he was Joe Montana or Tom Brady. Fitz threw for 417 yards on only 21 completions with four TDs and no interceptions resulting in a 156.2 passer rating. He out-Breesed Drew Brees that day in the Superdome en route to a 48-40 win.

Lindsay Jones, NFL senior writer: What I always appreciated most about Fitzpatrick, especially in the later stages of his NFL career, was how much he seemed to truly love playing football. It didn't seem like a job or a grind to him, even in his late 30s, and it didn't matter if he was the starter or the backup, he was going to have fun.

He played with a youthful enthusiasm and wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He was also the ideal veteran teammate, and he won over every single locker room he joined through a combination of humility and humor and gunslinger mentality. I loved this quote from former Bills center Eric Wood from a story I wrote about Fitzpatrick in 2018, when Fitzpatrick had brought his magic to Tampa. "I don’t know if it’s Fitzmagic or a Fitzcurse, but when he comes to your town, he is going to end up starting games."

Ben Standig, Commanders beat writer: We're saying goodbye to the embodiment of the "Wins Above Replacement" QB, the player teams would fall to as needed but always sought a bit more. Over and over during his career, Fitzpatrick was either the stopgap choice for a team grooming a younger passer or the veteran addition with just enough name power and "well, actually…" potential a franchise could sell its fan base when other options dried up thanks to his production, all-in style and joy for the moment.

The latter path is how Fitzpatrick landed in Washington last season. Ron Rivera took a shot at Matthew Stafford before landing on the bearded wonder. Alas, "Fitzmagic" never took off in the nation's capital as the journey lasted less than one-half of one game before a Week 1 season-ending hip injury. The football-loving country lapped up the fun Fitzpatrick delivered over 17 seasons. No, he wasn't one of the best ever or rarely a team desired as its first choice, but Fitzpatrick exits as one of the most unique players in league history. There's no replacing that reality.