Joe Flacco emphasizes being a supportive teammate, prioritizing relationships over mentorship, as he embraces his NFL return.
During the NFL offseason, Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, addressed his role among the team’s younger players, particularly two rookie quarterbacks. While Flacco has publicly rejected being called a mentor, he emphasized his commitment to being a supportive and reliable teammate in the locker room. His motivation for returning to the NFL is driven by a desire to play football, rather than by taking on a formal mentoring role.
Flacco told SI.com’s Albert Breer,
“Listen, everybody wants to have good relationships and be a good teammate, or that’s the expectation at least,”
adding,
“I think you want a bunch of players that have that mindset—it’s about the team and it’s about having good relationships, and freaking pushing people. I think that is important to do. And in order to have those relationships and keep the team first, you have to have a bunch of guys that want to play football. That’s what it comes down to. Being a mentor and coming out and just kind of going along for the ride isn’t getting me off my couch.”
He also shared his genuine enthusiasm for team camaraderie, saying,
“I want to play football. But also, I want to be a really good teammate, I really do. I enjoy being in that locker room, and just being around the guys. I think that’s all a part of it. I’ve talked about how it’s not necessarily my job, but at the same time, I’m also not gonna shy away from doing those things. I’m not worried about teaching guys and having that come back and bite me. Yeah, you got questions and you want answers, Yeah, come ask me, man.”
Mark Andrews Reflects on Last Season’s Setbacks and His Offseason Focus
Mark Andrews, tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has been reflecting on mistakes made during the team’s final game last season, which have stayed with him throughout the offseason. Andrews openly acknowledged the frustration of those errors but is using them as motivation to improve and return stronger.
In an interview with Clifton Brown from the Ravens’ official website, Andrews stated,
“This is my life. I put a lot of work into this. Everything I do is focused on that. Everything I think about is focused on that. It wasn’t the way that I planned it, but that’s all part of the story.”
He continued,
“I’ve been using it. I’ve had an incredible offseason. I’m excited to show what I can continue to do, continue to prove myself and step up in big moments. That’s the thing about sports. It doesn’t always fall your way. It’s how you bounce back.”
Isaiah Likely Praises Teammate Mark Andrews’ Professionalism and Readiness
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely offered high praise for Mark Andrews, highlighting the veteran’s professionalism and resilience despite criticism this offseason. Likely expressed confidence in Andrews’ abilities moving forward and predicted Ravens fans will be pleased with his performance in the upcoming season.
Likely remarked,
Image of: Joe Flacco
“I look up to Mark because he’s a pro’s-pro,”
and added,
“At this point, he’s already moved past it and he’s ready for next season. Y’all going to really smile when you see No. 89 out there.”
Cory Trice on Using a Difficult Game as Offseason Motivation
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice is carrying the weight of a challenging performance from the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. During that game, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase gained 96 yards on ten catches, including a touchdown. Trice has taken this as a personal setback and dedicated his offseason training to improving his play and avoiding a repeat.
Trice shared with Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live,
“That’s all I’ve been thinking about, Because that was my last game out. I just don’t want anybody to really just think of me as that last game because I’m way better than that. It stung a little bit. I’m still feeling it right now. That’s really kind of my motivation going into next year. Just make sure I don’t put no tape out there like that again.”
He also reflected on his self-criticism despite positive feedback from coaches:
“I don’t think (coaches) was upset. Everybody, they actually was saying I did a good job and stuff like that. For me, I’m used to letting up nothing, so I was upset. I was really hard on myself. I done watched that game already like 10 times.”
Veteran Leadership and Its Impact on Team Dynamics
Joe Flacco’s statements highlight a growing understanding among experienced players who balance playing roles with leadership responsibilities. While Flacco distances himself from the mentor label, his dedication to maintaining strong relationships and promoting teamwork illustrates the value veterans bring beyond their athletic skills.
Similarly, Mark Andrews’ approach to setbacks and Isaiah Likely’s faith in his teammate’s resurgence show how resilience and team support contribute to the Ravens’ culture. On the other side, Cory Trice’s determination to overcome his toughest game underlines the personal drive athletes bring into the offseason, often fueled by critical reflection.
As teams prepare for the new NFL season, these perspectives emphasize the importance of camaraderie, accountability, and mental toughness, qualities that often shape team success over the long term.
