Joe Flacco Returns as Cleveland Browns' Starting Quarterback
Introduction
The Cleveland Browns have announced that Joe Flacco will be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. This decision comes after Flacco helped lead the team to their first playoff appearance in 2023. After two years of backing up Baker Mayfield, Flacco is now officially the club's QB1 to start 2025.
Flacco's Return
After being traded to the Browns in 2023, Flacco quickly made an impact on the team. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the Browns to a 10-6 record and their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. However, the following year, Flacco suffered a season-ending injury, and Mayfield took over as the starting quarterback. Now, with Flacco back and fully recovered, the Browns are confident in his ability to lead the team once again.
Implications for the Team
With Flacco as their starting quarterback, the Browns are looking to build upon their success from the previous season. The veteran quarterback brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, and his presence will be crucial in guiding the young talent on the Browns' roster. Flacco's return also provides a sense of stability at the quarterback position, giving the team a strong foundation to build upon for the upcoming season.
About the People Mentioned
Joe Flacco
Joseph Vincent Flacco, born January 16, 1985, in Audubon, New Jersey, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Delaware, where he set 20 school records, including passing yards and completions, and led the Blue Hens to the NCAA FCS title game in 2007[2][5]. Flacco was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and became one of the few rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to start a playoff game. Known for his strong arm and calm demeanor, Flacco led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons, a league first. His most notable achievement came in Super Bowl XLVII, where he led Baltimore to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers and earned the Super Bowl MVP award for his performance[1][5]. After a long tenure with the Ravens, Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos and later joined the Cincinnati Bengals. As of the 2025 NFL season, he remains an active player with the Bengals, contributing as a veteran quarterback. He is recognized for his experience and leadership on the field, often stepping in as a reliable option for his team[3][4]. Flacco is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 245 pounds. Throughout his career, he has been valued for his playoff performances and ability to manage games effectively. His ongoing career with the Bengals highlights his continued relevance in the league at age 40[3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Cleveland Browns
The **Cleveland Browns** are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in 1944 by businessman Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride and coach Paul Brown, the Browns began play in 1946 in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), where they dominated by winning all four league championships before the AAFC folded in 1949. The team then joined the NFL and maintained early dominance, reaching the NFL championship game every year from 1950 to 1955 and winning three titles during that period[2][3]. Named after their first coach Paul Brown, who is considered a pioneer of modern football, the Browns built a legacy of success with legendary players such as Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. The franchise won a total of eight league titles (including AAFC and NFL championships) and 18 division trophies in its early decades, making it one of professional football’s dynasties[1][7]. Ownership shifted several times, notably to Art Modell in 1961, who controversially fired Paul Brown in 1963. The team won its last NFL championship in 1964 but struggled to reach the Super Bowl despite multiple AFC Championship game appearances in the 1980s under quarterback Bernie Kosar[2][3]. The Browns faced a major upheaval when Modell relocated the franchise to Baltimore in 1996, causing the team to be temporarily deactivated until it was reactivated as an expansion franchise in 1999[4]. Since their revival, the Browns have struggled with consistency and performance, often ranking among the NFL’s weaker teams. However, recent seasons have shown improvement, including a playoff win in 2020—their first since 1994. The team plays home games at FirstEnergy Stadium and is currently owned by Jimmy and Dee Hasla
