It’s Joe Flacco — the veteran quarterback with the most improbable NFL journey ever — who’s the comeback story worth telling. He’s not wearing the Cincinnati Bengals jersey proudly, now. Flacco started his pro career in 2008 when the Baltimore Ravens drafted him with the eighth overall pick. He gained national recognition by leading the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, where he was named the game’s MVP. His pivotal role during an impressive 11-year stretch with the Ravens included 163 starts, showcasing his reliability and talent on the field.
In March 2019, Flacco’s trajectory shifted when he was traded to the Denver Broncos after the Ravens drafted quarterback Lamar Jackson. Though he only spent one season with the Broncos, a herniated disc in his neck ended his time there prematurely. Flacco’s short but successful run as a fill-in QB for the New York Jets in 2020-22. In reality, he suited up for 12 games during that time period. Now, with 11 years of starting experience across several teams, he has emerged as one of the NFL’s most sought-after journeymen.
Flacco’s recent signing with the Bengals has renewed his bond with former supplemental draft pick Tyrod Taylor. From their days together on the Ravens, they have a deep familiarity with one another’s background. This newfound camaraderie brings them closer together as they each face their own respective obstacles within their profession. He got the reception you’d imagine from Taylor, who texted Flacco moments after the trade to connect.
On the field, Flacco is filling in for the Bengals’ starting quarterback situation with Joe Burrow going on injured reserved. He’s seized this chance, for now solidifying his standing as a dependable emergency option for teams in despair. Flacco’s quick adaptability, resilience, and clutch performance have been nothing short of vital for the Bengals during this trying time.
For Flacco, the mindset speaks to the mindset of being a good backup quarterback.
“You can either be a backup and accept that role and chill to an extent. Or you can be a backup and say, ‘Hey, at any given point, I’m the guy that’s going in, I got to be dialed on every level,’” – Joe Flacco
He’s very honest and open about the mental side of being a player, wanting to be a starter and not being able to have that chance right now.
“I know the grind of being a starter — and I don’t want to downplay that,” – Joe Flacco
“But when you want to be the guy and you’re not the guy, you can lose confidence. And a lot of bad things can happen in your mind. And it’s trying to find ways to not allow that to happen. And it’s not very easy when you’re not playing,” – Joe Flacco
His road to recovery has been inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. In 2023, he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in his first season with Cleveland. This accomplishment made him even more of a player who came up big when overcoming the odds became his reputation.
Tyrod Taylor’s impact goes beyond just this storyline. Together, with a combined 33 years in the NFL, they are both immensely knowledgeable and highly skilled. As the Bengals take on their present challenges, the team’s uniquely placed expertise would be a mighty asset.
“If guys can get to their early 30s into their mid-30s and they’re still doing it physically, well, now they’ve seen it all,” – Dan Pitcher
Flacco is committed not only to being the best version of himself, but to raising the level of everyone around him. He easily demonstrates he plays for more than himself, but the entire team. His commitment has made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike. In fact, a former Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner went on record trying to guess Flacco’s motivations.
“Joe Flacco don’t need a check, bro,” – Dalton Risner
Leave a Reply