Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, 40, was confirmed as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season, which kicks off Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The announcement came on the heels of an intense preseason competition in which Flacco beat out the likes of Shedeur Sanders, Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel.
A return with weight and experience
Joe Flacco, Super Bowl XLVII champion and MVP, returns to the starting role in Cleveland after a solid performance as a backup with the Colts in 2024.
He feels in great physical and mental shape to take on this responsibility at such an advanced stage of his career.
Competition in the marshal’s room
The announcement came after an intense preseason competition
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The absence of Deshaun Watson, recovering from multiple Achilles tendon injuries, paved the way for a controversial internal competition.
Shedeur Sanders showed promising flashes before suffering an oblique injury.
Kenny Pickett was signed from the Eagles, but was limited due to a hamstring injury.
Dillon Gabriel, a third-round selection in the 2025 draft, also dealt with similar discomfort.
Leadership valued in the field
Cleveland valued in Joe Flacco his proven leadership and professionalism in all aspects of the game, both in practice and in meetings.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Flacco “earned the job” because of his consistent performance.
Joe Flacco began his career as a first-round draft pick in 2008 with the Baltimore Ravens.
After his Super Bowl with them, he played with Broncos, Jets and Indianapolis before returning to Cleveland, where he was already a key player in 2023 and received Comeback Player of the Year recognition.
In 2025, he will begin his 18th season, joining the elite group of quarterbacks who have started after 40, along with Tom Brady, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
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