Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco's Biography

Joseph Vincent Flacco, popularly known as Joe Flacco, born on January 16, 1985, is a renowned American professional football quarterback. Currently contracted to the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL), Flacco has had an illustrious professional career that spans over a decade. Before ascending to the professional ranks, he played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens.

Flacco was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the highly competitive 2008 NFL draft. Serving as the starting quarterback for Baltimore from 2008 until midway through the 2018 season, he played a crucial role in leading the Ravens to the playoffs six times. During his tenure in Baltimore, the Ravens clinched the AFC North title twice, made three AFC Championship Game appearances, and most notably won Super Bowl XLVII after the 2012 season.

Flacco’s sterling performances in the postseason not only saw him being named Super Bowl XLVII’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), but they also allowed him to match Joe Montana’s single postseason record for touchdown passes (11) without throwing an interception. In the subsequent off-season, he was rewarded with a six-year contract worth $120.6 million, the highest amount for a quarterback at the time.

However, a decline in performance and a hip injury led to Flacco being dethroned from his starting position, usurped by Lamar Jackson. As a result, he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2019. His stint at Denver was short-lived due to a neck injury that culminated in him getting waived by the Broncos with a failed physical designation.

In 2020, Flacco joined the New York Jets as a backup to the then-starting quarterback Sam Darnold. He signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, but shortly after, he returned to the Jets following an injury to Zach Wilson. In the middle of the 2023 season, following a season-ending injury to Deshaun Watson, Flacco joined the Browns. His remarkable comeback, which saw him leading Cleveland to a playoff berth, earned him the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Over the course of his career up until the 2023 NFL season, Flacco amassed the record for the most career passing yards and touchdowns for any quarterback who has never made it to a Pro Bowl. It should be noted, however, that Flacco was invited to the 2015 Pro Bowl after the 2014 season, but declined. Known for one of the strongest arms in the NFL, Flacco’s talents extend far beyond his next-level arm strength.

Born in Audubon, New Jersey, Flacco is the eldest of five sons of Karen (née Madden) and Steve Flacco. His passion for sports was kindled at a young age, leading him to play football, baseball, and basketball at Audubon High School, where he was the starting quarterback for the Green Wave. As a three-star recruit, Flacco was among the top quarterback prospects in the class of 2003.

His football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he redshirted as a freshman for the Panthers and served as the backup quarterback in 2004. Later, Flacco transferred to the University of Delaware, becoming eligible to play from the 2006 season. During his time at Delaware, Flacco set 20 school records, garnering significant attention from NFL scouts.

Flacco’s impressive throwing power and resilience in harsh weather conditions caught the attention of the Baltimore Ravens, who selected him in the 2008 NFL draft. The selection made Flacco the highest drafted player from the University of Delaware and the first Division I-FCS quarterback selected in the first round of the draft since 1995.

During his professional career, Flacco has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, breaking personal and franchise records, while displaying admirable resilience overcoming injuries. His leadership qualities, strong arm, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a respected place in the annals of the NFL. Despite the highs and lows of his career, Flacco continues to be a pivotal figure in the sport, a testament to his enduring talent, tenacity, and passion for the game.