History of Joe Flacco in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Joe Flacco is a veteran professional American football quarterback known for his impressive tenure in the NFL, most notably with the Baltimore Ravens. Selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, he led the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, where he earned the game's MVP honors after a stellar postseason performance. Standing out for his exceptional arm strength and calm demeanor under pressure, Flacco spent over a decade as a franchise cornerstone in Baltimore. Following his time with the Ravens, he played for several other teams, including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns, where he experienced a late-career resurgence in 2023 by earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Throughout his career, Flacco has established himself as a reliable, high-performing signal-caller, remembered primarily for his ability to elevate his game during the most critical playoff moments.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 16, 1985: Birth of Joseph Vincent Flacco

On January 16, 1985, Joseph Vincent Flacco, the future professional football quarterback, was born.

1995: Steve McNair Selected in NFL Draft

In the 1995 NFL draft, quarterback Steve McNair was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers, making him the last Division I-FCS quarterback chosen in the first round prior to Joe Flacco in 2008.

2003: Redshirted at Pittsburgh

During the 2003 college football season, Joe Flacco was redshirted as a freshman while playing for the Pittsburgh Panthers, a team that finished the year with an 8–5 record.

2003: Class of 2003 Recruiting Prospect

In 2003, Joe Flacco was recognized as a three-star football recruit by Rivals.com, ranking as the 39th quarterback prospect for that recruiting class.

2004: Joe Flacco's 2004 Collegiate Season

During the 2004 season, Joe Flacco served as the backup quarterback to Tyler Palko, appearing in three games against the Ohio Bobcats, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and South Florida Bulls. In 2004, he recorded one completion for 11 yards on four pass attempts and executed a 25-yard punt.

2005: Transfer to University of Delaware

In 2005, Joe Flacco made the decision to transfer from the University of Pittsburgh to the University of Delaware. Due to his former school's refusal to release him from his scholarship, he was required to self-fund his education during this year and was ineligible to participate in athletic competition.

2006: First Full-Time Season as Starter

During the 2006 season, Flacco began his first year as a full-time starter for the University of Delaware. He recorded 2,783 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, though the team finished with a 5-6 record and missed the FCS playoffs.

2007: Joe Flacco's 2007 College Football Season Performance

During the 2007 season, Joe Flacco led the Delaware Blue Hens to a successful campaign, finishing with an 8-3 regular-season record and accumulating 4,263 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Throughout the year, he delivered standout performances against Navy, Delaware State, Northern Iowa, and Southern Illinois, eventually guiding his team to the FCS National Championship Game, where they ultimately fell to Appalachian State in 2007.

July 16, 2008: Joe Flacco Signs Rookie Contract

On July 16, 2008, Joe Flacco officially signed a five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, which included a maximum value of approximately $30 million with $8.75 million guaranteed.

2008: 2008 NFL Draft Prospect and Skill Competition Victories

During 2008, Joe Flacco solidified his status as a top-five quarterback prospect for the NFL draft following impressive performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Additionally, in 2008, he showcased his athleticism at the ESPN State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge by winning the long-distance throw competition with a 74-yard throw and capturing first place in the Taco Bell Quarterback Scramble.

2008: Beginning of Baltimore Ravens Tenure

In 2008, Joe Flacco became the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, marking the beginning of an era where he would guide the team to six playoff appearances.

2008: Selection in the 2008 NFL Draft

In 2008, Joe Flacco reached a major career milestone when he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

2008: Rookie Playoff Debut Victory

In 2008, during the wild card round of the 2008–09 NFL playoffs, Joe Flacco made history by becoming the third rookie quarterback to win his first post-season start, and the first to achieve this feat on the road. He led the Baltimore Ravens to a 27–9 victory over the Miami Dolphins, contributing a rushing touchdown to seal the win.

2008: Joe Flacco's NFL Starting Debut

In the 2008 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Flacco made his debut as the Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback after injuries and illness sidelined his teammates. During this game, he threw for 129 yards and scored a 38-yard rushing touchdown, setting a then-franchise record for the longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback, as the Ravens secured a 17-10 victory.

January 2009: Named Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year

In January 2009, Joe Flacco was officially recognized as the Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, acknowledging his impressive debut season performance in the league.

December 26, 2010: Playoff qualification and career passing milestone

On December 26, 2010, Joe Flacco secured a victory against the Cleveland Browns, marking his third consecutive season leading his team to the NFL playoffs. During this same game, he surpassed 10,000 career passing yards and concluded the season with personal bests in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.

2010: Wild Card Round Victory over the Chiefs

During the 2010 NFL playoffs, Joe Flacco led the Ravens to a 30-7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. On this 2010 date, he completed 25 of 34 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns, setting a milestone by becoming the first quarterback in league history to win a playoff game in each of his first three professional seasons.

2011: Ravens vs. Steelers Divisional Round and NFL Top 100 Ranking

During the 2011 season, Joe Flacco led the Baltimore Ravens in a high-stakes Divisional Round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where despite an early lead, the team suffered a 31-24 loss following late-game turnovers. Additionally, in 2011, Flacco was recognized for his performance by being ranked 90th on the NFL Top 100 Players list by his peers.

April 2012: Quarterback Confidence Controversy

In April 2012, Joe Flacco faced widespread mockery for stating that he believed he was the best quarterback in the NFL, placing himself above established stars like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers.

2012: Super Bowl XLVII Victory and MVP

Following the 2012 season, Joe Flacco led the Baltimore Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XLVII, earning the MVP award and tying a record for 11 postseason touchdown passes without an interception.

January 6, 2013: Flacco Leads Ravens to Wild Card Victory Over Colts

On January 6, 2013, Joe Flacco delivered an exceptional performance in the NFL Wild Card round against the Indianapolis Colts, completing 12 of 23 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His 125.6 passer rating set a new career postseason high, helping the Baltimore Ravens secure a 24–9 home victory.

2014: 2014 Season Performance

The 2014 NFL season served as the qualifying period for Flacco's 2015 Pro Bowl invitation.

January 2015: First Pro Bowl Selection

Prior to January 2015, Joe Flacco had never been selected for the Pro Bowl throughout his professional career.

2015: 2015 Pro Bowl Invitation

In 2015, Joe Flacco was invited to the Pro Bowl following his performance in the 2014 season, though he ultimately chose to decline the invitation.

2018: End of Baltimore Ravens Starting Tenure

Midway through the 2018 season, Joe Flacco's long-standing run as the primary starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens came to a conclusion.

2019: Trade to Denver Broncos

In 2019, Joe Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos following a performance decline and hip injury with the Ravens. His time in Denver ended prematurely that same year due to a neck injury and a failed physical designation.

2020: Signing with the New York Jets

During the 2020 season, Joe Flacco joined the New York Jets to serve as a backup quarterback for Sam Darnold.

2021: Philadelphia Eagles and Jets Tenure

In 2021, Flacco initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but was later traded back to the New York Jets after their quarterback Zach Wilson sustained an injury.

2023: Cleveland Browns Comeback

Midway through the 2023 season, Joe Flacco joined the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury; he successfully led the team to the playoffs and was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year honor.

2025: Bengals Trade and Pro Bowl Selection

After returning to Cleveland in 2025 and subsequently being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals following Joe Burrow's injury, Flacco earned his first-ever Pro Bowl selection at the conclusion of the 2025 season.