Celebrities IQ

What Is Ryan Fitzpatrick's IQ?

By Samantha Davis
Psychology Writer
Published on October 17, 2024

Image by All-Pro Reels, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Ryan Fitzpatrick's IQ: 150

Ryan Fitzpatrick defied expectations both on and off the football field. With a degree from Harvard and an IQ of 150, Fitzpatrick shattered the mold of the typical NFL quarterback. Known for his scruffy beard and unpredictable style of play, Fitzpatrick's career was anything but conventional. Over his 17-year NFL career, he played for nine different teams, earning the nickname "FitzMagic" for his moments of brilliance on the field. Yet, beyond the touchdowns and game-winning drives, what truly set Fitzpatrick apart was his intellect, a trait that few in the world of professional sports could match.

Fitzpatrick’s path to the NFL was as unique as his brainpower. Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t come from a powerhouse football school but rather from the Ivy League, where he led Harvard to an undefeated season and an Ivy League Championship. Even before setting foot in the NFL, Fitzpatrick’s intelligence was evident. He earned an impressive 1580 out of 1600 on his SAT and stunned the league with his score of 48 on the Wonderlic intelligence test – a cognitive ability test given to NFL prospects –, one of the highest ever recorded among quarterbacks.

His former coach at Harvard, Tim Murphy, once noted that Fitzpatrick had a unique combination of book smarts and situational awareness on the field. "It’s one thing to have a great SAT score; it’s a different thing to make great decisions under pressure," Murphy said. Fitzpatrick excelled at both, making him a rare breed in the NFL – athlete whose brain was often his biggest asset.

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The rise of "FitzMagic"

Ryan Fitzpatrick’s NFL journey was one of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in ever-changing circumstances. Drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams in 2005, Fitzpatrick began his career as a backup. But the quarterback, who once described himself as "just a Harvard guy trying to make it in the NFL," soon became known for his uncanny ability to step into starting roles and shine. From the Buffalo Bills to the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and beyond, Fitzpatrick played for nine teams—the most of any starting quarterback in league history.

His on-field success wasn’t always consistent, earning him another nickname, "FitzTragic" for his occasional missteps. Yet, his mental agility and deep understanding of the game kept him relevant far longer than most of his peers. In fact, Fitzpatrick’s mental game often outshined his physical abilities. Known for dissecting defenses with precision, he made complex plays look effortless, something many of his coaches attributed to his razor-sharp intelligence.

Leaving a lasting legacy

In June 2022, after 17 seasons, Ryan Fitzpatrick retired from the NFL. Though never crowned a Super Bowl champion or named an MVP, his career was a testament to perseverance and intelligence. Fitzpatrick became a beloved figure in the league, admired for his quirky personality and ability to outwit opponents with both his brain and his arm. His post-game press conferences, where he’d often showcase his math-whiz son solving complex multiplication problems, only added to his legend.

Fitzpatrick paved the way for other academically inclined athletes, showing that there’s room in professional sports for those who prioritize education. He wasn’t just a quarterback; he was a thinker, a strategist, and a true anomaly in the NFL. Even as he stepped away from the field, the man known as "FitzMagic" left an indelible mark. Proof that sometimes, brains really do beat brawn.

Ryan Fitzpatrick's IQ

150

Ryan Fitzpatrick's IQ of 150: Description of Our Methodology

Average Confidence Level

High

The average IQ of Ryan Fitzpatrick comes from two sources, namely Bleacher Report and The Washington Post. These sources are usually deemed authoritative. We have included the score from one other source for reference purposes. It's worth noting that several sources convert his Wonderlic test score of 48/50 into an estimated IQ of 150, which is the figure we reported.

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Wonderlic Test Prep

150 IQ

Bleacher Report

150 IQ

The Washington Post

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5 Life Achievements That Show How Smart Ryan Fitzpatrick Is

Harvard Graduate: Ryan Fitzpatrick graduated from Harvard University, an Ivy League school renowned for its rigorous academic standards. His studies in economics underline his ability to tackle complex analytical challenges.
Perfect SAT Score: Achieving a perfect SAT score of 1580, Fitzpatrick demonstrated exceptional intelligence early on. This score reflects his proficiency and aptitude in critical reading and mathematical reasoning.
High IQ of 150: With an IQ of 150, Fitzpatrick stands well above the genius threshold. This signifies extraordinary cognitive abilities.
Wonderlic Test Score: Fitzpatrick scored an impressive 48 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test, commonly used in the NFL Combine to assess cognitive and problem-solving abilities. This score is one of the highest ever recorded by an NFL player.
Adaptable Quarterback: Throughout his NFL career, Fitzpatrick has played for numerous teams and mastered various offensive systems. This agility demonstrates his quick learning ability and strategic thinking, crucial traits for on-field success.

Image by Jeffrey Beall, used under CC BY 3.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

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Ryan Fitzpatrick's IQ Score Put Into Perspective

Ryan Fitzpatrick, with an IQ of 150, lands in an exclusive bracket. This level of intelligence places him within the top 0.04% of the population. Such a score surpasses the entry requirements for some of the most prestigious high-IQ societies. Fitzpatrick easily qualifies for membership in Mensa (min. 130 IQ), Intertel (min. 135 IQ), the Cerebrals Society (min. 141 IQ), the Triple Nine Society (min. 146 IQ) and International Society of Philosophical Enquiry (min. 146 IQ). His score would still fall short of the Epimetheus Society, a group even more select that targets the top 0.003% (min. 160 IQ).

Image by All-Pro Reels, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Comparing Ryan Fitzpatrick's 150 IQ to That of Other Professional Athletes

Fitzpatrick's IQ of 150 is a reminder that intellect and athletics are not mutually exclusive, and in some cases, mental acuity can be a game-changer. Does this level of IQ makes him the smartest professional athlete?

For comparison, Lionel Messi's IQ of 191 cements him as not just a soccer icon, but a cerebral force as well. Messi’s intelligence enhances his agility and vision on the field, showing that mental sharpness can be just as vital as physical skill. Similarly, Michael Jordan, with an IQ of 154, used his cognitive edge to dominate basketball, applying strategy and foresight to his legendary athleticism.

In basketball, Kyrie Irving’s IQ of 150 is another example of how intelligence helps players navigate the complexities of the game, proving that mastering the nuances of the court requires more than just physical prowess. On the football field, Josh Dobbs, with an IQ of 135, showcases an analytical mind. His ability to quickly process and act upon information is crucial in making split-second decisions under pressure.

On the other hand, Mike Tyson’s IQ of 78 shows a different side of athletic greatness. Tyson’s success wasn’t driven by intellectual analysis, but by sheer power, instinct, and relentless training. His story reminds us that raw physicality can sometimes overpower intellectual limitations in the quest for victory.