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Joe Flacco will be back on the field in a different uniform on Sunday. Just a few days ago, the Cleveland Browns traded veteran quarterback to the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati received Flacco and a sixth-round pick in next year's draft, while Cleveland received 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 wide-ranging press conference, the Super Bowl winner revealed what motivates him to continue competing in the competition. NFL.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco speaks to the media during a press conference in Cincinnati on Friday. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“You only get one chance to play in the NFL. I feel like I've worked really hard to become 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 the game at a high level and I want to be able to look myself in the mirror when I turn 50 and say I gave it everything I had.”
Flacco was named Bengals Starter for the team's Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Flacco responded to the whirlwind he's experienced this week.
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“Crazy business,” Flacco said. “You've got to be prepared for anything. That's kind of what it was. It definitely wasn't on my list of what was 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 now, I'm all for it.”
Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns looks to play against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on September 21, 2025 in Cleveland. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Bengals were hoping to bolster their quarterback position after star player Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in the season opener. Backup Jake Browning had a tough time being pushed into the starting role. Burrow underwent surgery last month but could return to action later this season.
Flacco said he was in contact with the wounded Burrow.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco throws during the first half against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 28 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancia)
“I feel like I have a lot to offer the football team,” Flacco added. “I feel like I’ve done a lot of work up to this point. I feel like I've worked really hard to become a guy that can play in the NFL. I still feel like I can play the game at a high level.”
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In four games with the Browns this season, Flacco was 1-3. But he led a losing Cleveland team to a dramatic victory over Green Bay Packers. On Sunday, Flacco will face the Packers for the second time this season.
Dillon Gabriel was named the Browns' starter in Week 5. Sheader Sanders was listed as the backup cornerback on the Browns' depth chart following Flacco's move to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Browns on Sunday.
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