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Joe Flacco will once again wear a different uniform when he takes the field this Sunday. Just a few days ago, the Cleveland Browns traded the veteran quarterback to their local rival, the 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 media outlets reported Tuesday.
On Friday, Flacco spoke to the media for the first time since arriving in Cincinnati. At one point during the extensive press conference, the Super Bowl winner revealed what motivates him to continue competing in the NFL.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco speaks to the media during a press conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, 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 at 50 and say I gave it my all.”
Flacco was named the Bengals’ starter for the team’s Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Flacco reacted to the whirlwind he experienced this week.
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“Crazy deal,” Flacco said. “You have to be ready for anything. That’s kind of what it was. I definitely didn’t have that on my list of things that were going to happen. But hey, it’s this league. And I’m a player. I think most players would say the same thing. I love playing football. If it’s in Cincinnati right now, then I’m all for it.”
Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns looks to throw the ball against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on September 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Bengals were hoping to shore up their quarterback space after star player Joe Burrow injured his toe in the season opener. Backup Jake Browning struggled when thrust into the starting role. Burrow underwent surgery last month but could return to action later this season.
Flacco said he had been in contact with the injured Burrow.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco throws a throw during the first half against the Detroit Lions September 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 a lot so far. 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.”
Flacco was 1-3 in his four starts with the Browns this season. But he guided an underdog Cleveland team to a dramatic victory over the Green Bay Packers. Flacco will meet 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 a backup quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart following Flacco’s move to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Browns on Sunday.
