Ryan Fitzpatrick, a former NFL quarterback, has expressed his surprise at Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Zach Wilson’s choice to don the No. 0 jersey for the 2025 season. Wilson, after his initial stint with the New York Jets and a brief backup role at the Denver Broncos, signed with the Dolphins. His decision to wear No. 0 has been met with skepticism by Fitzpatrick, who shared his thoughts on social media.
“Hey Zach, there’s always time to change your mind,” Fitzpatrick advised, referencing the number choice and its potential impact on Wilson’s career revival. He mentioned Wilson’s connections with Braxton Berrios and Orlando Woolridge but hinted that the number might not send the right message for someone aiming to be a serious NFL contender.
Fitzpatrick elaborated on his concerns, suggesting that the number choice might not align with someone who is trying to rebuild credibility as a starting quarterback. “It might be silly but perception matters in this business,” he noted, emphasizing how crucial image is in professional sports.
Wilson was originally picked by the New York Jets as the second overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. During his time with the Jets, he struggled to achieve a winning record, ending up with a 12-21 performance as a starter. Over those games, he accumulated 6,293 passing yards, with 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions.
In the 2023 season, Wilson was slated to be a backup but was thrust into a starting role for 11 games due to Aaron Rodgers’ injury. After Rodgers’ return, Wilson moved to the Denver Broncos for the 2024 season but didn’t secure a starting position as Bo Nix emerged as a top rookie.
Now, with the Dolphins, Wilson is set to back up Tua Tagovailoa. Fitzpatrick’s comments highlight the challenges Wilson faces in rekindling his NFL career. The number he chooses, according to Fitzpatrick, plays into how he is perceived by fans, teammates, and the broader NFL community.
As Wilson navigates this new chapter with the Dolphins, his choices both on and off the field will be scrutinized. Fitzpatrick’s perspective underscores the delicate balance of image and performance in the high-stakes world of professional football. The decision of something as seemingly trivial as a jersey number can have unexpected implications for a player’s career trajectory.
Wilson’s journey indicates a player determined to find his footing amidst the dynamic changes within the league. As fans watch his progress, the dialogue around his jersey number serves as a reminder of the intricate layers of professional sports culture. Fitzpatrick’s candid remarks provide a glimpse into the mindset of those who’ve experienced the highs and lows of the NFL firsthand.
