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Joe Flacco will again carry another uniform when he takes the pitch on Sunday. Just a few days ago, Cleveland Browns traded the veteran quarterback to state rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati received Flacco and a draft of the sixth round in next year’s draft, while Cleveland picked up a fifth round of trade elections, more business reported Tuesday.
Friday, Flacco spoke with the media for the first time since his arrival in Cincinnati. At one point during the extensive news conference, the Super Bowl winner revealed what keeps him motivated to continue to compete in the NFL.
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Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Flacco talks to the media during a press conference in Cincinnati Friday. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imag images)
“You only get a chance to play in the NFL once. I feel like I’ve worked really hard to be a guy who gets to play in the NFL and I won’t take it for granted,” the 40-year-old told journalists. “I still feel like I can play the game at a high level and I will be able to look at myself in the mirror when I am 50 years old and say I gave it all I had.”
Flacco was named Bengals’ Starting for the team’s Week 6 Matchup with Green Bay Packers. Flacco responded to the virginity he experienced this week.
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“Crazy business,” Flacco said. “You have to be ready for something. It’s kind of what it was. Definitely had it not on my list of things to happen. But hey it’s this league. And I’m a player. I think most players would say the same. I like to play football. If it’s in Cincinnati right now, I’m all for it.”
Joe Flacco from Cleveland Browns seems to be throwing against Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field 21 September 2025 in Cleveland. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Bengals hoped to solidify their quarterback room after star player Joe Burrow sustained a toe injury in the season opener. Backup Jake Browning fought when he was thrown into the starting role. Burrow underwent an operation last month, but could return to action later this season.
Flacco said he has been in contact with the wounded burrow.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Joe Flacco throws during the first half against Detroit Lions 28 September in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
“I want to have a lot to offer a football team,” Flacco added. “I feel that I have put a lot of work to this point. I feel that I have been working really hard to be a guy who gets to play in the NFL. I still want to play the game at a high level.”
Flacco went 1-3 in his four starts with Browns this season. But he guides an underdog Cleveland team to a dramatic comeback -s victory over Green Bay Packers. Flacco meets Packers for the second time this season on Sunday.
Dillon Gabriel was named Browns ‘Starter, which went into week 5. Shedsur Sanders was listed as a backup quarterback on Browns’ depth card after Flacco’s move to Cincinnati. Pittsburgh Steelers hosts Browns Sunday.
