Ryan Fitzpatrick made a bunch of new fans in Kansas City after helping the Miami Dolphins defeat the New England Patriots on Sunday (December 29). All the Patriots had to do was beat the lowly Dolphins, who had just four wins going into the week 17 matchup with their hated division rival, and they would have secured the number two seed in the AFC and a first-round bye.
Fitzpatrick showed he still has some magic left and led the Dolphins down the field to a late touchdown in a thrilling 27-24 victory.
When the Dolphins took the lead, Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Stadium erupted into cheers, knowing all their team had to do was finish off the San Diego Chargers to earn the number two seed and a week off.
Chiefs fans wanted to honor Fitzpatrick and have started a petition to have him be the drum leader when they host the divisional round playoff game on January 12.
“Let’s show our gratitude with the greatest honor to be given at Arrowhead Stadium. Let the man bang the drum," Chase Myska wrote on Change.org.
The petition has over 27,000 signatures with a goal of 35,000. It is unclear if Fitzpatrick will show up, or if he would be allowed to participate since he is currently under contract with the Dolphins.
After the Chiefs wrapped up a 31-21 win against the Chargers, head coach Andy Reid was asked about Fitzpatrick's game-winning drive.
“I want to send him some Kansas City steaks, he did a nice job,” Reid joked. “I can’t do that though because that’s tampering, so I’m not going to do that. But he deserves them.