Joe Flacco Returns to Baltimore: A Meeting Full of History and Emotion
In Week 2 of the season, the Baltimore Ravens prepare to host the Cleveland Browns, marking a special event that celebrates the franchise’s 30 years. The match has a particular significance, as Joe Flacco will be on the opposing field, a name that resonates strongly in the history of the Ravens.
Flacco, selected by the Ravens in 2008, spent 11 years with the team and led the conquest of Super Bowl XLVII. This encounter at M&T Bank Stadium represents his first game in Baltimore since he was traded after the 2018 season, a move that paved the way for the Lamar Jackson era.
“It will be interesting to go back,” Flacco commented in an exclusive interview. “Honestly, the entire AFC North is a great place to play, but Baltimore is a really special place. They have incredible fans who love football. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.”
Joe Flacco
Flacco, at 40 years old, still holds the records for most passing yards (38,245) and touchdowns (212) in Ravens history. Although only five players from Flacco’s original team remain on the current roster, an emotional reunion with coach John Harbaugh and several former teammates and coaches is expected.The game against the Browns in Week 2 will mark Joe Flacco’s first start in Baltimore since his trade in 2018.
Coach Harbaugh described Flacco as “iconic” in the history of Baltimore football. Flacco’s father expects a large number of family and friends to attend the game, and although they may be rooting for their son to get the Browns their first win of the 2025 season, the quarterback’s story in the “Charm City” is fascinating.
Former teammates and coaches close to Flacco revealed details about the quarterback with a big arm who earned the nickname “Joe Cool” in Baltimore.
The Beginning of a Legend: The Draft and the Birth of “Joe Cool”
In the early years of the Ravens, the defense was the backbone of the team. After a disappointing season in 2007, the team needed a quarterback and Flacco emerged as one of the best options in the 2008 draft. A closed-door training session, with an improvised field and unknown receivers, impressed the scouts with the strength and precision of his arm.
The then-offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, recounted how Flacco completed a 90-minute training session without missing a single pass. Joe Douglas, then a scout, and current general manager Eric DeCosta, were impressed. Flacco’s coach at Delaware, K.C. Keeler, recalled how Flacco threw the ball 80 yards without any problems.
Although they initially had the eighth selection, the Ravens traded up to the 18th spot to secure their quarterback. Flacco, with his calmness, contrasted with the strong personalities of the defense. His arm, capable of throwing the ball “through a hurricane”, according to wide receiver Derrick Mason, quickly caught attention.
Flacco remembered his first year focused on not making mistakes. The support of players like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed was crucial. Cameron recounted how Reed tried to trick Flacco on a play, but Flacco responded with precision, earning the respect of the defense. “Once the veterans give their approval to a young quarterback, everyone stops worrying about him. They focus on their own work,” Cameron commented.
Debut and Ascent: The Road to Success
Despite not being the initial starter, a shoulder injury to Kyle Boller and an illness to Troy Smith forced Flacco to lead the Ravens in the first game of the 2008 season against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although his statistics were not spectacular, his 38-yard touchdown run was decisive in the 17-10 victory. This was the beginning of a successful career that led the Ravens to the AFC final that same year.
In the competitive AFC North, Flacco faced memorable duels, including a crucial victory against the Steelers in 2011, where he threw a 26-yard touchdown pass in the final minutes, a moment that defined his nickname “Joe Cool”.
Torrey Smith highlighted the confidence that Flacco conveyed, while Flacco himself remained unfazed in high-pressure situations. Flacco’s ability to remain calm led him to excel in the playoffs. In 2012, he led the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, where he was named Most Valuable Player. The “Mile High Miracle”, a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones, is one of the most remembered moments in Ravens history. This success earned him a $120 million contract, the largest at the time.
Despite the postseason loss, Flacco’s legacy in Baltimore is undeniable. Flacco’s transfer to the Broncos marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the Ravens fanbase.
A New Chapter in Cleveland: The Return of “Mr. Joe Flacco”
After stints with Denver and the New York Jets, Flacco’s career seemed to be coming to an end. However, injuries to the Browns’ quarterbacks led him to join the team in late 2023. In five games, he threw for 300 yards on four occasions and led Cleveland to the playoffs, winning the Comeback Player of the Year award.
In Cleveland, Flacco quickly earned the affection of fans and the locker room, from David Njoku to rookie Gage Larvadain, who calls him “Mr. Joe Flacco.” Flacco’s passes were described as “poetry in motion” by Amari Cooper. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave highlights his “definitely elite” arm.
After playing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, Flacco returned to the Browns on a one-year, $4 million contract. In Week 1, he joined a select group of quarterbacks aged 40 or older who have started a season opener. Flacco, who a decade ago believed he would play until he was 40, calls this moment “special”.
Although Flacco has already faced the Ravens, his return to Baltimore is special. His father hopes the game will be an emotional moment, but respecting the calmness of “Joe Cool.” “I think it will be interesting to be back there,” said Steve Flacco. “I’m sure he will appreciate playing this game there. I have no doubt about it. He appreciates the people there.”
