Ryan Fitzgerald Signs Free Agent Deal with Carolina Panthers After Sensational FSU Career
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After etching his name into the history books at Florida State, kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is heading to the NFL. On Sunday evening, the Carolina Panthers announced they have signed Fitzgerald to a free-agent contract, bringing one of college football’s most reliable legs to the Queen City.
Fitzgerald, a sixth-year senior, ended his time at FSU on a blistering hot streak. In his final season, he connected on 24 of 26 field goal attempts, including a perfect 8-for-8 from beyond 50 yards — a feat that had NFL scouts buzzing by midseason. His clutch performance in the ACC Championship Game, where he drilled four field goals, including a game-winning 53-yarder as time expired, solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s premier specialists.
The Tallahassee native leaves Florida State ranked second all-time in career points (402), first in field goal percentage (91.8%), and tied for the school record in field goals made in a single season. Fitzgerald’s poise under pressure and booming leg strength made him a vital piece in FSU’s return to national prominence over the past two seasons.
Carolina, coming off a season where kicker inconsistency cost them multiple games, made Fitzgerald a priority once the draft concluded. Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith praised the signing.
“Ryan is the kind of player who brings immediate stability,” Smith said. “He’s calm, he’s accurate, and he’s got the power to change games. We believe he can win our starting job right away.”
For Fitzgerald, the signing represents a dream realized. Speaking via Zoom from his family’s home, he couldn’t hide his excitement.
“This is everything I’ve worked for since I first picked up a football,” Fitzgerald said. “Florida State gave me a foundation, and now I’m ready to bring that same energy and consistency to Carolina.”
Known for his unwavering focus, Fitzgerald’s work ethic was legendary in Tallahassee. Teammates often spoke of his tireless routine — hours spent perfecting his craft, from technical tweaks on the practice field to mental visualization exercises off it. His attention to detail paid off in critical moments, where Fitzgerald was virtually automatic even under maximum pressure.
In Charlotte, Fitzgerald will compete with veteran kickers during training camp, but team insiders believe the Panthers envision him as their long-term solution. His strong leg could also factor into kickoff duties, where Carolina ranked among the league’s worst last season in opponent return yardage.
Off the field, Fitzgerald’s leadership and community involvement have drawn praise. He was a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on — a reminder of Fitzgerald’s journey from overlooked recruit to collegiate star.
As he trades the garnet and gold for Panthers black and blue, Fitzgerald carries with him the hopes of not only making an NFL roster, but thriving in a league where specialists often make the difference between heartbreak and glory.
“It’s a blessing,” Fitzgerald said. “But I know the work is just getting started.”
