That Joe Flacco, “Joe Cool” himself, has left the everlasting influence he has on the history of the NFL. He got this fame largely on the heels of his historic run with the Baltimore Ravens. His tools, particularly arm strength and accuracy, made him a standout as he overcame a lot of adversity. These instincts would eventually propel the Ravens to numerous dazing defeats — including a Super Bowl victory. Flacco, as he prepares to face his old mates for the first time, was a little misty-eyed thinking about his career. His work has indelibly changed the franchise and the hearts of its fans.
Flacco’s storied career first took form in Baltimore, where he as a rookie silenced critics with a stunning display of accuracy and timing. He never fails to deliver when the stakes are highest. It’s this skill that has made him known as one of the league’s most trustworthy quarterbacks. The 2000 Ravens defense is one of the best ever in NFL history. Meanwhile, Flacco’s contributions to the offensive side of the ball proved key in winning games, particularly during his first half plus a season with the team.
A Legacy Built on Arm Strength and Precision
Flacco’s time with the Ravens was defined by just that—his raw arm talent and incredible downfield accuracy were trusted by Baltimore. Scouts were in awe during his early workouts, with one stating, “Our scouts are just sitting there with their jaws hanging out.” Such talent was hard to ignore, and it led Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens’ general manager at the time, to exclaim, “We’re not going to let this one slip through.”
His performance was nothing short of spectacular. In that famous workout, Patterson impressed NFL brass by launching a pass at least 80 yards with no warm-up. K.C. Keeler, who witnessed that day, remarked, “They asked him to stay flat-footed on the goal line, and he threw it 80 yards in the air.” This sort of talent would quickly prove to be foundational for the Ravens.
During his time in Baltimore, Flacco proved to be unfazed by the heat at a high level time and time again. Teammate Torrey Smith noted, “Whenever you stepped in the huddle with him, you always felt like you had a chance to win the game regardless of what the situation was.” This trait in many ways defined Flacco’s style of play and helped to inspire one of his most popular nicknames.
Memorable Moments in Ravens History
One of Flacco’s most memorable moments came during the AFC playoffs when he orchestrated what is now known as the Mile High Miracle. He launched a stunning 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones in the final seconds of a game against the Denver Broncos, solidifying his status as a clutch performer. To this day, this moment is considered one of the greatest plays in Ravens history.
Flacco just won the signature victory of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He orchestrated an unforgettable 92-yard drive, ending with a dazzling game-winning 26-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith. He rose to the occasion in Super Bowl XLVII. His brilliant performance culminated in him being named MVP in the Ravens’ exhilarating 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Flacco’s leadership wasn’t solely about making big plays in clutch situations. It was about instilling confidence into his teammates. Smith emphasized this aspect when he said, “The thing I loved about him most…was his demeanor. He’s always laid back. He doesn’t get flustered.” This even-keeled demeanour became absolutely vital during high-leverage games, allowing the Ravens to excel in clutch moments.
Transitioning from Baltimore to Cleveland
Flacco’s productive years with the Ravens are well documented. His time in Baltimore was cut short as the team ended up trading him to the Denver Broncos. It was a sad coda to an era of effective campaigns and historic accomplishments. As he walked off M&T Bank Stadium for the last time wearing Ravens colors, it became clear that his departure would leave a significant void for both the team and its fanbase.
After his aforementioned trade, Flacco’s time with the Broncos wasn’t all bad, nor was it all good. He started the first nine games of the 2018 season, but failed to lock down a winning record. He ended with a 4-5 record before leaving the matchup with the Steelers due to a hip flexor injury suffered during play. And even with these obstacles, his legacy as one of Baltimore’s greatest quarterbacks continues to hold up.
Now, as Flacco prepares for a new chapter with the Cleveland Browns, he looks forward to reuniting with coach John Harbaugh and several former teammates. Steve Flacco, his dad, couldn’t be happier for the reunion. He’s hoping to have at least 20 to 30 family and friends accompany them for Sunday’s game.
“I don’t think it’ll be emotional for him,” – Steve Flacco
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