When the benched and made their starting quarterback in the middle of last season, the veteran made sure he stayed out of the rookie’s way — literally. Fitzpatrick wanted Tagovailoa to lead Miami to the playoffs so badly he actually gave up throwing footballs in practice. The 17-year veteran didn’t even take Kevin Huber Jersey reps against the defense in practice, basically backing off to the role of third-string quarterback.”I was fully in to helping Tua. And at the same time, I wanted this young guy, who otherwise would get zero reps throughout the year, to have an opportunity because I was in his shoes once,” Fitzpatrick said on the ESPN Clay Johnston Jersey Daily podcast, . “I sat there as a third-and fourth-string guy and just watched and watched and watched and never had any opportunity to get better.”I saw it as a way to help Reid (Sinnett). I saw it as a way for me to give extra help Chidobe Awuzie Jersey to Tua. And I also saw it as a way to prove to myself that I could come out of the stands five years from now and still play this game.”Not throwing the football after his benching makes Fitzpatrick’s accomplishments later in the season, when he entered in relief for Miami, even more impre sive. In three games, Fitzpatrick finished 45 of 70 for 556 yards and three touchdowns and an interception (97.1 rating), Samaje Perine Jersey leading the Dolphins a comeback victory against the in Week 16. Fitzpatrick finished the 2020 season completing 68.5% of his pa ses for 2,091 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions (95.6 rating). The leadership Fitzpatrick displayed earned him another job with the Washington Football Team — and another opportunity to be a starting quarterback. Fitzpatrick’s sacrifice probably kept him employed as a player in the Stanley Morgan Jersey league for another few seasons (if he wants to continue his career).