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Joe Flacco will once again wear a different uniform when he takes the field on Sunday. Just a few days ago, the Cleveland Browns traded the veteran quarterback to the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati received Flacco and a sixth-round pick in next year's draft, while Cleveland got a fifth-round pick in the trade, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
On Friday, Flacco spoke to the media for the first time since arriving in Cincinnati. At one point during the wide-ranging press conference, the Super Bowl winner revealed what keeps him motivated to continue competing in the NFL.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco speaks to the media during a news conference in Cincinnati on Friday. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“You only get a chance to play in the NFL once. I feel like I've worked really hard to be a guy that can play in the NFL, and I don't want to take that for granted,” the 40-year-old told reporters. “I still feel like I can play at a high level and I want to be able to look in the mirror when I'm 50 and say I gave everything I had.”
Flacco was named the Bengals' starter for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Flacco reacted to the whirlwind he experienced this week.
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“Crazy business,” Flacco said. “You have to be ready for anything. That's pretty much what it was. I definitely didn't have this on my list of things that were going to happen. But, hey, that's the way this league is. And I'm a player. I think most players would say the same thing. I like playing football. If that's in Cincinnati right now, then I'm all for it.”
Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns looks to throw against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on September 21, 2025 in Cleveland. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Bengals were hoping to solidify their quarterback room after star player Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in the season opener. Backup Jake Browning struggled when placed in the starting spot. Burrow underwent surgery last month but could return to action later this season.
Flacco said he has been in contact with the injured Burrow.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco throws during the first half against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 28 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
“I feel like I have a lot to offer a football team,” Flacco added. “I feel like I've worked hard to this point. I feel like I've worked really hard to be a guy that can play in the NFL. I still feel like I can play at a high level.”
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Flacco was 1-3 in his four starts with the Browns this season. But he led an underdog Cleveland team to a dramatic comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. Flacco will face the Packers for the second time this season on Sunday.
Dillon Gabriel was named the Browns' starter entering Week 5. Shedeur Sanders was listed as the backup quarterback on the Browns' depth chart after Flacco's move to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Browns on Sunday.
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