History of Joe Flacco in Timeline

Joe Flacco is a professional American football quarterback. He played college football for both the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens. Flacco was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 16, 1985: Joe Flacco's Birth

On January 16, 1985, Joseph Vincent Flacco was born.

1995: McNair drafted

In the 1995 NFL draft, Steve McNair went third overall to the Houston Oilers. He was the first Division I-FCS quarterback drafted since then.

2001: Year both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady Became Starting Quarterbacks

2001 was the year both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady became starting quarterbacks.

2003: Redshirted Freshman Year

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

2003: Football prospect ranking

In 2003, Rivals.com listed Joe Flacco as No. 39 among quarterback prospects.

2004: Backup Quarterback at Pittsburgh

In 2004, Joe Flacco served as the backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Panthers, seeing action in three games.

2004: Playoff Misses

In 2016, after the Ravens failed to make the playoffs, it was the first consecutive playoff misses for the franchise since 2004–2005.

2005: Transfer to the University of Delaware

In 2005, Joe Flacco transferred to the University of Delaware.

2005: First Home Opener Loss Since 2005

In 2014, after losing to the Bengals 16-23, it was the first time since 2005 that the Ravens lost their home opener.

2005: Playoff Misses

In 2016, after the Ravens failed to make the playoffs, it was the first consecutive playoff misses for the franchise since 2004–2005.

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: Delaware Blue Hens season

During the 2007 season, Joe Flacco led his team to an 8-3 record, compiling 4,263 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Delaware lost in the FCS National Championship Game to the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

July 16, 2008: Signed with Ravens

On July 16, 2008, Joe Flacco signed a five-year contract with the Ravens for around $30 million.

2008: Rookie Playoff Win

During the 2008-09 NFL playoffs, Joe Flacco became one of the few rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to win his first post-season start, defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-9.

2008: Starting Quarterback for the Ravens

In 2008, Joe Flacco became the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.

2008: Flacco Signs with Reebok

In 2008, Joe Flacco signed a three-year contract with Reebok.

2008: Solidified Draft Status

In 2008, Joe Flacco solidified himself as a top five quarterback in the NFL draft with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He also won the long distance throw competition in ESPN's State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge and the Taco Bell Quarterback Scramble.

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2008: Drafted by the Ravens

In 2008, Joe Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round as the 18th overall pick, making him the highest drafted player from the University of Delaware.

2008: NFL Draft Selection

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

2008: Starting Quarterback Debut

In the 2008 season opener, Joe Flacco debuted as the starting quarterback for the Ravens, rushing for a 38-yard touchdown in a 17-10 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

January 2009: Rookie of the Year Award

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

2009: Flacco becomes a spokesperson for Pizza Hut

From 2009 to 2010, Joe Flacco was a spokesperson for Pizza Hut, which sold a product called "Flacco's Favorites".

2009: Brother Drafted by Orioles

In 2009, Joe Flacco's brother, Mike, was selected in the 31st round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles.

2009: Best Record after Three Games Since 2009

In 2016, after a Week 3 victory, Joe Flacco and the Ravens achieved a 3-0 record, marking their best start to a season after three games since 2009.

December 26, 2010: Playoff Berth and Career Milestone

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 of his first three seasons. During this game, Flacco reached 10,000 career passing yards.

2010: Flacco's endorsement deal with Pizza Hut ends

From 2009 to 2010, Joe Flacco was a spokesperson for Pizza Hut, which sold a product called "Flacco's Favorites".

2010: Mark Sanchez's Postseason Record

In 2010, Mark Sanchez became the first NFL quarterback to defeat both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in the same postseason since they became starting quarterbacks in 2001.

2010: Playoff Win Against Chiefs

In the 2010-11 NFL playoffs, Joe Flacco completed 25 of 34 passes in a win against the Chiefs. With this win, Flacco became the first quarterback in NFL history to start and win a playoff game in each of his first three seasons.

2011: Divisional Round Loss to Steelers

In 2011, Joe Flacco and the Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.

2011: Flacco Marries Dana

In 2011, Joe Flacco married his wife Dana in a Catholic ceremony at the same church where his parents were married.

April 2012: Controversial Statement and Contract Offer

In April 2012, Joe Flacco stated he was the best quarterback in the NFL. He turned down the Ravens' contract offer, reportedly for $16 million a year.

June 2012: Birth of First Child

In June 2012, Joe Flacco and his wife Dana welcomed their first child, a son.

2012: Super Bowl XLVII Victory and MVP Award

In 2012, the Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII, and Joe Flacco was named the Super Bowl MVP. He subsequently signed a six-year contract worth $120.6 million.

January 6, 2013: Wild Card Victory and Mile High Miracle

On January 6, 2013, Joe Flacco led the Ravens to a Wild Card victory against the Indianapolis Colts and followed with a Divisional round win against the Denver Broncos, which featured the "Mile High Miracle" - a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones in the last seconds of regulation sending the game into overtime.

January 2013: Flacco Endorses Haribo and McDonald's

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

January 20, 2013: AFC Championship Victory

On January 20, 2013, Joe Flacco and the Ravens defeated the New England Patriots to win the AFC Championship and secure a spot in the 2013 Super Bowl.

February 3, 2013: Ravens Win Super Bowl XLVII

On February 3, 2013, Joe Flacco led the Baltimore Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, completing 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Flacco was named the game's Most Valuable Player and received a new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette.

March 4, 2013: Highest-Paid 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. However, 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, approximately one hour before the start of the Baltimore Ravens' home opener game.

2013: Statistically Worst Season

During the 2013 season, Joe Flacco had the worst statistical season of his NFL career, throwing more interceptions (22) than touchdowns (19) for the first time, with a career-low passer rating of 73.1. Despite setting a high in passing yards with 3,912, the Ravens finished 8–8 and missed the playoffs. He was ranked 58th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014 list.

2013: Top Start to Free Agency

In 2013, after his contract expired, Joe Flacco had what The New York Times called "might be the best start to a player's free agency in the history of professional sports." He was ranked 19th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013 list by his fellow players.

2013: Last Pick-Six Before 2015 Season

In the 2015 season, during the opening game against the Broncos, Joe Flacco threw a pick-six, his first since the 2013 season finale.

2014: Loss to Bengals Despite Longest Touchdown Pass

During the 2014 season home opener, Joe Flacco threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith Sr., which was his longest touchdown throw at the time. Despite this, the Ravens lost to the Bengals 16-23.

2014: Season Performance

Following the 2014 season, Joe Flacco was invited to the Pro Bowl, though he declined the invitation.

2014: Best Regular Season of Career

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), fumbles (5), and fumbles lost (0). He led Baltimore to a 10–6 record.

2014: Pro Bowl Invitation

In 2014, Joe Flacco was invited to the 2015 Pro Bowl as an alternate.

2014: NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

January 2015: Lack of Pro Bowl Selection

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

January 2015: Birth of Third Son

In January 2015, Joe Flacco and his wife Dana had their third son, leading Flacco to decline his Pro Bowl invitation.

2015: Season-Ending Injury

During the Week 11 game against the Rams in 2015, Joe Flacco tore his ACL and MCL, ending his season. He completed the drive, setting up the game-winning field goal in the 16-13 victory.

2015: Loss to Broncos with Interceptions

During the opening game of the 2015 season against the Broncos, Joe Flacco threw a pick-six, his first since the 2013 season finale, and later threw another interception in the end zone, leading to a 19-13 loss.

2015: Declined Pro Bowl Invitation

In 2015, Joe Flacco turned down the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl because his wife, Dana, was due to give birth to their third child.

2015: Lowest NFL Top 100 Ranking

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

2015: Brother Enrolls at Western Michigan University

In 2015, Joe Flacco's youngest brother, Tom, enrolled at Western Michigan University.

March 2, 2016: Contract Extension with the Ravens

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

September 2016: Birth of First Daughter

In September 2016, Joe Flacco and his wife Dana welcomed their only daughter.

January 2017: Most Attractive Player

In January 2017, Joe Flacco was elected as the most attractive player in the NFL in a survey by Fanatics.

July 26, 2017: Back Injury Diagnosis

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

2017: Brother Transfers to Rutgers

In 2017, Joe Flacco's youngest brother, Tom Flacco, transferred to Rutgers University.

April 2018: Birth of Fourth Son

In April 2018, Joe Flacco and his wife Dana welcomed their fourth son.

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, winning 47-3.

2018: Brother Transfers to Towson

In 2018, Joe Flacco's youngest brother, Tom Flacco, transferred to Towson University.

2018: Backup Quarterback to 2018 First-Round Pick

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

2018: Loss of Starting Position

Midway through the 2018 season, Joe Flacco lost his starting position to Lamar Jackson.

February 13, 2019: Trade Agreement to Broncos

On February 13, 2019, the 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: Trade to Broncos Becomes Official

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

2019: Trade to the Denver Broncos

In 2019, Joe Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos.

March 19, 2020: Broncos Release Flacco

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

April 2020: Underwent Neck Surgery

In April 2020, Joe Flacco underwent neck surgery.

May 27, 2020: Signed with the New York Jets

On May 27, 2020, Joe Flacco signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the New York Jets as the backup quarterback.

July 30, 2020: Placed on Active/PUP 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 Starter Against Cardinals

On October 7, 2020, Joe Flacco was named the starting quarterback for the Jets' Week 5 game against the Arizona 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: Back Up To 2020 Second-Round Pick

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

March 25, 2021: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 25, 2021, Joe Flacco signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to back up Jalen Hurts.

October 25, 2021: Traded Back to the Jets

On October 25, 2021, the Eagles traded Joe Flacco back to the Jets for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.

November 17, 2021: Named Starting Quarterback

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

2021: Time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Return to the Jets

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

2021: Brother Signed by Roughriders

In 2021, Joe Flacco's youngest brother, Tom Flacco, was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

March 16, 2022: Flacco Re-Signs with Jets

On March 16, 2022, Joe Flacco re-signed with the New York Jets for one year at $3.5 million, and was named the starting quarterback for the first three weeks due to an injury of the starting quarterback, 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 following a season-ending injury to their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson.

2023: Joined Cleveland Browns, Playoff Berth, Comeback Player of the Year

In 2023, Joe Flacco joined the Cleveland Browns, led the team 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 Texans in the Wild Card round. He lost the game 45-14. Following the season, Flacco was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press.

March 22, 2024: Flacco Signs with Colts

On March 22, 2024, Joe Flacco signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. He began the season as the backup to Anthony Richardson, and took over as a starter in Week 4 after Richardson's injury.

May 25, 2024: Honorary Doctorate Degree

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 Returns to Browns

On April 11, 2025, Joe Flacco agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Cleveland Browns and compete for the starting quarterback position.

October 7, 2025: Flacco Traded to 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 after the starting quarterback suffered a turf toe injury early in the season.

2025: Signed with Indianapolis Colts, Returned to Cleveland Browns, Traded to Cincinnati Bengals, Pro Bowl Selection

In 2025, Joe Flacco signed with the Indianapolis Colts before returning to the Cleveland Browns. He was then traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and selected to his first Pro Bowl.