As the 2026 NFL season unfolds, former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is poised for another chapter in his broadcasting career with Prime Video’s ‘Thursday Night Football’. This marks his fifth season as an analyst, where he continues to share his passion for the game. Fitzpatrick, who transitioned into a media role after his retirement, is also navigating the lively football culture at home, with his seven children and wife, Liza, embracing the excitement of game days.
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Fitzpatrick’s daughters, Maizy and Zoey, epitomise the friendly family rivalry that comes with football fandom. Each supports differing teams: Maizy, born in Buffalo in 2013, is a dedicated fan of the Buffalo Bills, while Zoey, who arrived in Houston in 2015, cheers for the Houston Texans. Fitzpatrick fondly recalls how their allegiances make for engaging family discussions, particularly during matchups like the Bills’ recent victory over the Texans.
“Football is a significant part of our family culture,” the 43-year-old Fitzpatrick said. “Being involved with ‘Thursday Night Football’ is fantastic because it allows me to include my family in something that I love.” It’s clear that this connection to football is not just about the games themselves but also about the shared experiences with loved ones.
In an impressive career spanning 17 years, Fitzpatrick played for nine different teams, including the St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Jets, among others. His journey culminated with his retirement in 2022, shortly before he began his role as an analyst for Thursday Night Football. He expressed appreciation for how much he enjoys collaborating with his on-screen colleagues, stating, “It never genuinely feels like work to us.”
This season promises noteworthy matchups, with the second week of ‘Thursday Night Football’ featuring the Bills hosting the Detroit Lions at the newly constructed $2 billion Highmark Stadium. Fitzpatrick revealed that this particular game was on his “wish list”, emphasizing the significance of the event as the inaugural regular-season game in the impressive new venue. “We’re thrilled to be trusted with this game, and we aim to showcase it to the best of our ability,” he remarked.
Marking the Fitzpatrick family’s calendar is another exciting game on October 8, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Fitzpatrick shared how each child has picked their teams, with his youngest son, Jake, displaying a notable fondness for the Buccaneers, driven by his admiration for their quarterback, Baker Mayfield. “He calls himself Jaker because of Baker. It’s quite the household dynamic,” Fitzpatrick laughed.
Family participation further translates into day-to-day life as Fitzpatrick seamlessly blends personal and professional responsibilities. His children frequently accompany him to games, enriching both their familial bond and his interactions with co-hosts from the show. This shared joy among families, he notes, enhances the authenticity and warmth that viewers can witness on screen.
Further drawing the connection between football and family, Fitzpatrick highlights the importance of shared experiences both at home and during their broadcast adventures. “We’ve gone from being simply co-workers to having genuine relationships with each other’s families. That bond makes everything we do much more enjoyable,” he said.
As the curtain rises on this NFL season, Fitzpatrick’s journey continues with plenty of anticipation for the games ahead. ‘Thursday Night Football’ kicks off its first game from Buffalo, with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video, and Fitzpatrick is eager to bring the action to fans while celebrating his love for football, both on the field and at home.