Joe Flacco embraces Bengals transfer, explains drive to compete

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Joe Flacco will as soon as once more put on a special uniform when he takes the sector this Sunday. Just some days in the past, the Cleveland Browns traded the veteran quarterback to the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals.

Cincinnati acquired Flacco and a sixth-round draft decide in subsequent yr's draft, whereas Cleveland picked up a fifth-round decide within the commerce, a number of retailers reported on Tuesday.

On Friday, Flacco spoke to the media for the primary time since his arrival in Cincinnati. At one level in the course of the wide-ranging information convention, the Tremendous Bowl winner revealed what retains him motivated to proceed competing in the NFL.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco speaks to the media throughout a press convention in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Pictures)

"You solely get an opportunity to play within the NFL as soon as. I really feel like I’ve labored actually onerous to be a man that will get to play within the NFL, and I don’t need to take that with no consideration," the 40-year-old informed reporters. "I nonetheless really feel like I can play the sport at a excessive degree, and I need to have the ability to take a look at myself within the mirror after I’m 50 years outdated and say that I gave it all the things I had."

Flacco was named the Bengals starter for the workforce's Week 6 matchup with the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Flacco reacted to the whirlwind he skilled this week.

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"Loopy enterprise," Flacco mentioned. "You must be prepared for something. That is type of what it was. Positively did not have this on my checklist of issues that have been gonna occur. However hey, that is this league. And I am a participant. I believe most gamers would say the identical factor. I wish to play soccer. If that is in Cincinnati proper now, then I am all for it."

Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns appears to throw the ball towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Huntington Financial institution Area on Sept. 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Pictures)

The Bengals have been hoping to solidify their quarterback room after star participant Joe Burrow suffered a toe harm within the season opener. Backup Jake Browning struggled when he was thrust into the beginning function. Burrow underwent surgical procedure final month however might return to motion later this season.

Flacco mentioned he is been involved with the injured Burrow.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco throws in the course of the first half towards the Detroit Lions, Sept. 28, in Detroit. (AP Photograph/Paul Sancya)

"I really feel like I've quite a bit to supply a soccer workforce," Flacco added. "I really feel like I've put in a number of work up to now. I really feel like I've labored actually onerous to be a man that will get to play within the NFL. I nonetheless really feel like I can play the sport at a excessive degree."

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Flacco went 1-3 in his 4 begins with the Browns this season. However, he did information an underdog Cleveland workforce to a dramatic comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers. Flacco will meet the Packers for a second time this season on Sunday.

Dillon Gabriel was named the Browns starter getting into Week 5. Shedeur Sanders was listed because the backup quarterback on the Browns depth chart following Flacco's transfer to Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Browns on Sunday.