Cleveland radio personality Tony Rizzo erupted on air after Joe Flacco’s vintage performance for the Cincinnati Bengals left the Browns looking foolish. Following Flacco’s stunning display against Pittsburgh, Rizzo tore into Cleveland’s front office for trading the veteran quarterback to a division rival. His scathing rant has since gone viral across sports media and fan platforms.
“Kids that play Madden could’ve done a better job,” Rizzo fumed, summing up the frustration of Browns Nation.
Tony Rizzo’s On-Air Meltdown Over Joe Flacco’s Revenge Game
Joe Flacco’s Postgame Embrace with Aaron Rodgers Carries Weight
Joe Flacco’s Postgame Embrace with Aaron Rodgers Carries Weight (Screenshot via X/@jaron_may)
Joe Flacco looked like his old self in Week 7, leading the Bengals to a close 33–31 win over the Steelers at Paycor Stadium on Thursday night. The 40-year-old quarterback played well and was in control. What made it even more impressive was that he was traded from Cleveland to Cincinnati ten days earlier. This performance sparked outrage among fans and critics.
Flacco’s performance led to a strong reaction from ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo, who said the Browns had mismanaged the situation. The long-time radio voice blasted the front office for giving up Flacco “for a fifth-round pick,” calling it a decision that betrayed both football sense and fan trust.
“Why on earth did you feel the need to trade this guy to a division opponent for a fifth-round draft pick? Fireable offense! That is a fireable offense!”Rizzo shouted. “You have the worst offense in the league. Your GM screwed this quarterback thing up like I’ve never seen! In my life, I’ve never seen anything like it!*Kids that play ‘Madden’ could have done a better job, truly. This franchise has become a joke and I’m sick of it.*”
Rizzo’s outburst came amid growing frustration among Cleveland fans over the Deshaun Watson contract and the team’s revolving door at quarterback. Many argued that trading Flacco within the AFC North was short-sighted, especially considering his immediate success under pressure in Cincinnati. Even Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly questioned Cleveland’s logic after the game.
NFL fans were quick to echo Rizzo’s outrage online.One useragreed emphatically, writing,“1000 percent agree!”Anotherwrote,“This franchise has become a JOKE.”
Othershighlighted,“If only the Browns were lucky enough to have QBs like Baker Mayfield or Joe Flacco, they might win some games!”
Some fans also pointed fingers at the organization’s decision-making.“You have 4 QBs on the roster before you got rid of him,” one commenter observed.“Being upset about the Flacco trade but not taking accountability for the Watson contract is a wild take!”
The debate has reignited a broader conversation about accountability within the Browns’ leadership. As Rizzo’s meltdown continues to trend, Cleveland’s front office faces renewed scrutiny, mainly as the quarterback they dismissed just carried a division rival to victory.