Joe Flacco has been officially named the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback for the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, a decision that caught many by surprise and set the tone for the team’s approach moving forward. The Browns chose the seasoned veteran over rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, signaling a clear preference for experience as they aim for early success this year.
The quarterback situation in Cleveland has been a focal point throughout the offseason, with speculation surrounding who would lead the Browns’ offense. Flacco, aged 40, will now be followed on the depth chart by Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders, respectively. While this outcome is a setback for the younger players, especially Sanders, experts have predicted that Gabriel might be the one to eventually challenge Flacco’s spot in the future.
Flacco’s Professional and Unemotional Reaction to Starting Role
When asked about the starting quarterback announcement, Joe Flacco approached the news with a pragmatic and businesslike attitude, emphasizing the professional nature of the decision rather than any emotional aspect. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he described the situation as routine, focusing on preparation and consistency.
“Listen, it’s just business as usual,”
Flacco stated.
“Go out there and get another good practice in, get some rest with the guys and continue to work towards what we’ve been all training camp. . . . Like I said, you keep your head down and you just try to do your best, and I felt like I was having a good camp with the reps that I was given, and that’s all you can do.”
—Joe Flacco, Browns starting quarterback
“I don’t know if I was very emotional about it, but listen, you don’t take for granted opportunities in this league, especially to get one at this point in my career is definitely special, but like I said, it’s pretty much business as usual and just kind of trying to get better,”
Flacco added, underlining his focus on steady improvement amid the demands of the league.
Upcoming Challenges: Bengals and a Return to Baltimore
Flacco’s first appearance as the Browns’ starting quarterback this season will be against the Cincinnati Bengals, a crucial early test for the veteran signal caller. Following that, the Browns face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, a matchup packed with personal significance for Flacco. The Ravens were Flacco’s original NFL home, where he spent the first decade of his career and secured his lone Super Bowl win in 2012.
The upcoming Baltimore game brings him back to a familiar setting where he earned both praise and success. After an impactful 2023 season with Cleveland — in which Flacco earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors — he briefly returned to Baltimore following a stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
“I love playing in Baltimore. Such a special place, unbelievable fans, division game,”
Flacco said during a press conference.
“I mean, it just does not get any better than that. You know, that is what the plan is, and that would definitely be very exciting.”
—Joe Flacco
Flacco’s Early NFL Success and Legacy with the Ravens
Joe Flacco began his NFL journey with the Baltimore Ravens, selected 18th overall in the 2008 draft. His selection was historic as he became the highest draft pick ever from the University of Delaware. He quickly ascended to the starting quarterback role during his rookie season, following injuries and illnesses to incumbent quarterbacks Kyler Boller and Troy Smith.
Flacco made an immediate impact, leading the Ravens to significant postseason success. He became only the third rookie quarterback in NFL history to win his first playoff start after securing a victory against the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship game that season but were ultimately defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers. His outstanding rookie year earned him the title of Rookie of the Year.
Over the following years, Baltimore qualified for the playoffs three times while Flacco remained the team‘s starter. The highlight of his career arrived in the 2012 season when he led the Ravens on an unforgettable postseason run. The team defeated the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots to earn a place in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
In that Super Bowl matchup, Flacco’s performance was pivotal; he threw three touchdowns and completed 22 of 33 passes, driving the Ravens to a narrow 34-31 victory. His success was rewarded with a six-year contract extension valued at $120 million, making him the highest-paid quarterback in the league at the time.
What Flacco’s Starting Role Means for the Browns’ Season
The Browns’ commitment to Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback reflects a strategic decision to rely on proven leadership and experience during a transitional period for the team. While the presence of promising rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders adds future potential, the Browns appear determined to maximize their early 2025 prospects with a seasoned field general.
Flacco’s steady and unemotional acceptance of the role, paired with his rich history both within Cleveland and Baltimore, sets a tone of professionalism for the Browns’ offense. His ability to navigate the pressures of NFL competition could be a stabilizing factor as the team faces a demanding schedule.
With the Bengals game as an opening hurdle and a long-anticipated visit to Baltimore soon after, Flacco’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. As the Browns continue their efforts to build a competitive squad, Flacco’s leadership could prove vital in determining the team’s success this season and shaping the future quarterback scenario in Cleveland.