History of Joe Flacco in Timeline

Joe Flacco is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Prior to this, he played college football for both the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, launching his successful professional career.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 16, 1985: Joe Flacco's Birth

On January 16, 1985, Joe Flacco was born in Voorhees Township, New Jersey.

January 16, 1985: Joseph Vincent Flacco Born

On January 16, 1985, Joseph Vincent Flacco was born. He later became a professional football quarterback in the NFL.

1995: Steve McNair Drafted to Houston Oilers

In the 1995 NFL draft, Steve McNair went third overall to the Houston Oilers, marking the last time a Division I-FCS quarterback was selected in the first round until Joe Flacco in 2008.

2001: Start of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady's Starting Quarterback Careers

In 2001, both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady began their careers as starting quarterbacks. Joe Flacco became the second NFL quarterback to defeat both in the same postseason in 2013.

2003: Ranked as a Three-Star Recruit

In 2003, Joe Flacco was ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, placing him as No. 39 among quarterback prospects.

2003: Redshirted as a Freshman

In 2003, Joe Flacco was redshirted as a freshman for the Pittsburgh Panthers football team.

2004: Backup Quarterback at Pittsburgh

In 2004, Joe Flacco served as the backup quarterback at Pittsburgh, playing in three games.

2004: Playoff Misses

In 2016, the Ravens missed the playoffs for the second straight season, the first consecutive playoff misses for the franchise since 2004.

2005: Transferred to the University of Delaware

In 2005, Joe Flacco decided to transfer to the University of Delaware and was ineligible to play that season.

2005: Playoff Misses

In 2016, the Ravens missed the playoffs for the second straight season, the first consecutive playoff misses for the franchise since 2005.

2005: First Home Opener Loss Since 2005

The 2014 loss to the Bengals marked the first time since 2005 that the Baltimore Ravens had lost their home opener.

2006: First Full-Time Action at Delaware

In 2006, Joe Flacco saw his first full-time action at the University of Delaware, throwing for 2,783 yards and 18 touchdowns.

2007: Led Delaware to FCS Championship Game

In 2007, Joe Flacco led his team to an 8-3 regular-season record, compiling 4,263 yards and 23 touchdowns, ultimately leading to a loss in the FCS National Championship Game.

July 16, 2008: Signed Contract with Ravens

On July 16, 2008, Joe Flacco signed a five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

2008: First Rookie Quarterback to Win Post-Season Start on the Road

In 2008, Joe Flacco became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to win his first post-season start on the road. The Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins, 27-9.

2008: Starting Quarterback for the Ravens

In 2008, Joe Flacco became the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, a position he held until midway through the 2018 season.

2008: Drafted by Baltimore Ravens

In 2008, Joe Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL draft.

2008: Solidified Himself as a Top NFL Draft Prospect

In 2008, Joe Flacco's solid performance at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine solidified his position as a top quarterback prospect for the NFL draft.

2008: Starting Quarterback Debut

In 2008, due to injuries to other quarterbacks, Joe Flacco started as quarterback for the Ravens, and had a 38-yard rushing touchdown in his debut against the Cincinnati Bengals.

January 2009: Named Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year

In January 2009, Joe Flacco was named the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.

2009: Ravens Best Record Since 2009

After their Week 3 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, Joe Flacco and the Ravens had accrued a 3-0 record, their best record after three games since 2009.

December 26, 2010: Led Team to Playoffs in First Three Seasons

On December 26, 2010, with a win against the Cleveland Browns, Joe Flacco became one of only four NFL quarterbacks to lead his team to the playoffs in all three of his first three seasons, reaching 10,000 career passing yards during the game.

2010: Mark Sanchez Defeats Manning and Brady in Same Postseason

In 2010, Mark Sanchez became the first NFL quarterback to defeat both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the same postseason. Joe Flacco became the second to accomplish this in 2013.

2010: Wild Card Round Win Against the Chiefs

In the 2010-11 NFL playoffs, Joe Flacco led the Ravens to a Wild Card Round victory against the Chiefs, completing 25 of 34 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, resulting in a post-season-high passer rating of 115.4.

2011: Divisional Round Loss to Steelers

In 2011, Joe Flacco and the Ravens lost to the Steelers in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, with Flacco finishing the game 16-of-30 for 125 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

April 2012: Flacco Declares Himself the Best Quarterback

In April 2012, Joe Flacco stated that he was the best quarterback in the NFL, a sentiment that was almost universally mocked at the time.

2012: Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII

Following the 2012 season, the Baltimore Ravens, led by Joe Flacco, won Super Bowl XLVII. He was named Super Bowl XLVII's MVP.

January 6, 2013: Victory Over Indianapolis Colts in Wild Card Round

On January 6, 2013, Joe Flacco led the Ravens to a 24-9 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round, setting up a Divisional round rematch with the Denver Broncos.

January 2013: Flacco Endorses Haribo and McDonald's

In January 2013, Joe Flacco endorsed Haribo. Also in January 2013, Flacco signed an endorsement deal with McDonald's to promote their new menu item, the Mighty Wings.

January 20, 2013: AFC Championship Win Over Patriots

On January 20, 2013, Joe Flacco and the Ravens defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game with a score of 28-13, securing their spot in the 2013 Super Bowl.

February 3, 2013: Super Bowl XLVII Victory

On February 3, 2013, Joe Flacco led the Baltimore Ravens to a 34–31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. Flacco completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the Super Bowl MVP award and tying a record for consecutive playoff games with at least three touchdown passes. He was also awarded a Chevrolet Corvette.

March 4, 2013: Highest-Paid NFL Quarterback

On March 4, 2013, Joe Flacco became the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history after signing a six-year contract worth $120.6 million with the Baltimore Ravens, although he was soon surpassed by Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan.

September 15, 2013: Birth of Second Son

On September 15, 2013, Joe Flacco's second son was born, about an hour before the start of the Ravens' home opener.

2013: Statistically Worst Season

In 2013, Joe Flacco had statistically the worst season of his NFL career, throwing more interceptions (22) than touchdowns (19), and achieving a career-low passer rating of 73.1. He was also sacked 48 times during the season. However, he set a high in passing yards, with 3,912. The Ravens finished with an 8-8 record, missing the playoffs.

2013: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2013, Joe Flacco was ranked 19th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list, following his Super Bowl XLVII MVP performance.

2013: Pick-Six Interception

In the 2015 season opener against the Broncos, Joe Flacco threw his first pick-six interception since the 2013 season finale.

2014: Home Opener Loss Against Bengals

During the 2014 season home opener, Joe Flacco threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith Sr. against the Cincinnati Bengals, which was the longest touchdown throw of Flacco's career at the time. Despite this, the Ravens lost the game 16-23. Flacco finished with 345 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, with a passer rating of 71.0.

2014: Best Regular Season

In 2014, Joe Flacco had the best regular season of his career, setting highs in passing yards (3,986), passing touchdowns (27), times sacked (19), and fumbles (5). The Ravens finished the season with a 10-6 record.

2014: Pro Bowl Invitation

In 2014, Joe Flacco was invited to the 2015 Pro Bowl as an alternate, but he declined the invitation because his wife was due to give birth.

2014: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2014, Joe Flacco was ranked 58th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

2014: Season Prior to Pro Bowl Invitation

Joe Flacco had a solid season in 2014, which led to him being invited to the 2015 Pro Bowl.

January 2015: Never Selected for Pro Bowl Before

Before January 2015, Joe Flacco had never been selected for the Pro Bowl.

2015: Loss to Broncos

During the 2015 season opener, Joe Flacco threw a pick-six, his first since 2013, against the Broncos, leading to a 19-13 loss.

2015: Season-Ending Injury

During the Week 11 game versus the Rams in 2015, Joe Flacco suffered a torn ACL and MCL, ending his season. He completed the drive to put Baltimore into a position to kick the game-winning field goal, securing a 16-13 victory.

2015: Lowest Ranking on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2015, Joe Flacco was ranked number 97 on the NFL Top 100 Players list, marking his lowest ranking ever on the list.

2015: Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2015, Joe Flacco was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl but declined due to the impending birth of his third child.

2015: Invited to Pro Bowl (Declined)

Joe Flacco was invited to the 2015 Pro Bowl following the 2014 season, but he declined the invitation.

March 2, 2016: Contract Extension with Ravens

On March 2, 2016, Joe Flacco agreed to a three-year contract extension to remain with the Baltimore Ravens.

July 26, 2017: Back Injury Diagnosis

On July 26, 2017, Joe Flacco was diagnosed with a back injury that ruled him out for 3–6 weeks of training camp.

September 9, 2018: Season-Opening Blowout Against Bills

On September 9, 2018, Joe Flacco threw for three touchdowns and had a passer rating of 121.7 in the season-opening blowout against the Buffalo Bills with a score of 47–3.

2018: Backup to Sam Darnold

In 2020, Joe Flacco signed with the New York Jets as the backup quarterback to 2018 first-round pick Sam Darnold.

2018: End of Starting Quarterback Role

Midway through the 2018 season, Joe Flacco's tenure as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens came to an end.

February 13, 2019: Trade Agreement to Broncos

On February 13, 2019, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to trade Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos in exchange for their fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

March 13, 2019: Official Trade to Broncos

On March 13, 2019, the deal to trade Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos became official.

2019: Traded to the Denver Broncos

In 2019, Joe Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos after losing his starting position with the Ravens.

March 19, 2020: Release from Broncos

On March 19, 2020, Joe Flacco was released by the Denver Broncos with a failed physical designation.

April 2020: Neck Surgery

In April 2020, Joe Flacco underwent neck surgery.

May 27, 2020: Signed with New York Jets

On May 27, 2020, Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets as the backup quarterback to Sam Darnold.

July 30, 2020: Placed on Physically Unable to Perform List

On July 30, 2020, Joe Flacco was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp.

September 5, 2020: Activated from PUP List

On September 5, 2020, Joe Flacco was activated from the physically unable to perform list at the start of the regular season.

October 7, 2020: Named Jets Starter

On October 7, 2020, Joe Flacco was named the starting quarterback for the Jets against the Cardinals due to Sam Darnold's shoulder injury.

2020: Joined the New York Jets

In 2020, Joe Flacco joined the New York Jets as a backup quarterback.

2020: Backup to Jalen Hurts

In 2021, Joe Flacco signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to back up 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts.

March 25, 2021: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles

On March 25, 2021, Joe Flacco signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Jalen Hurts.

October 25, 2021: Traded Back to Jets

On October 25, 2021, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Joe Flacco back to the New York Jets for a conditional sixth-round draft pick after Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury.

November 17, 2021: Named Jets Starting Quarterback

On November 17, 2021, Joe Flacco was named the starting quarterback for the Jets' Week 11 game against the Miami Dolphins.

2021: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles and Traded Back to Jets

In 2021, Joe Flacco initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was later traded back to the New York Jets.

March 16, 2022: Flacco re-signed with the Jets

On March 16, 2022, Joe Flacco re-signed with the New York Jets for one year and $3.5 million after being announced as the starter for the first three weeks of the season due to an injury to Zach Wilson.

November 20, 2023: Flacco Signed to Browns Practice Squad

On November 20, 2023, Joe Flacco was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad after the starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, sustained a season-ending injury.

2023: Joined Cleveland Browns

Midway through the 2023 season, Joe Flacco joined the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson's injury and subsequently led Cleveland to a playoff berth and won the Comeback Player of the Year award.

January 13, 2024: Flacco's First Playoff Start Since 2015

On January 13, 2024, Joe Flacco made his first playoff start since 2015 against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round. The Browns lost 45-14, marking Flacco's first loss in a Wild Card game.

March 22, 2024: Flacco Signed With Colts

On March 22, 2024, Joe Flacco signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal as a backup to Anthony Richardson.

May 25, 2024: Honorary Doctorate from University of Delaware

On May 25, 2024, Joe Flacco received an honorary doctorate degree in Humane Letters from his alma mater, the University of Delaware.

April 11, 2025: Flacco Re-signed with Browns

On April 11, 2025, Joe Flacco agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Cleveland Browns, entering training camp in a quarterback competition.

October 7, 2025: Flacco traded to Cincinnati Bengals

On October 7, 2025, Joe Flacco, along with a sixth-round pick, was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a fifth-round pick. He immediately became the starter, replacing Jake Browning.

2025: Traded to Cincinnati Bengals

A few weeks into the 2025 season, Joe Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

2025: Most Career Passing Yards Without a Pro Bowl

As of the 2025 NFL season, Joe Flacco holds the record for the most career passing yards and touchdowns for any quarterback who has never been to a Pro Bowl.

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