Fan Forum: Is Ryan Fitzpatrick the Best NFL Player to Come Out of Harvard University?

It’s sort of an unwritten rule in American culture that if you’re smart, you can’t be a great athlete, and vice versa. So when a kid comes out of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, it’s surprising to see him build a career in the NFL.

That is, however, what Ryan Fitzpatrick has done for the Bills.

The 28-year-old has completed 58.7 percent of his 404 passes this season for 2,749 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Though he shouldn’t be preparing his speech for Canton, he’s shown tremendous improvement from his first four seasons, when he bounced from St. Louis to Cincinnati to Buffalo and played rarely.

With the Patriots taking on the Bills this weekend, do you think Fitzpatrick is the best former Harvard player to make it in the NFL?

Here’s a look at Fitzpatrick and his competition.

Ryan Fitzpatrick
The quarterback was a part of the undefeated 2001 Harvard squad as a backup to Neil Rose before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2005 draft by the Rams. Fitzpatrick has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for nearly 7,000 yards and 44 touchdowns in his five-year NFL career.

Matt Birk
The center graduated with a degree in economics, and he put it to good use by figuring out a way to earn an NFL salary for more than a decade. Birk played in Minnesota from 1998 to 2008 before joining the Ravens in 2009. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, and he’s signed on to dedicate his brain to science after he dies. Doctors probably will learn that he was smart.

John Dockery
The defensive back was on the Super Bowl III-winning Jets in January 1969. He made eight career interceptions for the Jets and Steelers before embarking on a broadcast career.

Isaiah Kacyvenski
A linebacker, Kacyvenski played in 100 games from 2000 to 2006, mostly for the Seahawks. He twice recorded 50-plus tackles in a season, and he forced five turnovers (three interceptions, two forced fumbles). Like Birk, he has agreed to donate his brain to science.

Pat McInally
A punter doesn’t necessarily fit the bill of a “jock,” but this Harvard guy was a rare breed. McInally doubled as a wide receiver, catching 57 passes — five for touchdowns — for the Bengals from 1977 to 1981. He continued punting until 1985, and he’s remembered for acing the Wonderlic Test.

Who is the best former Harvard player to play in the NFL? Share your thoughts below.

Wednesday, Dec. 23: Is Michelle Ryan’s foot fetish fame the biggest embarrassment for the Jets this season?

Who is the best NFL player from Harvard University?online survey