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Cleveland Browns
Aug 18, 2025 2:48 PM EDT
On Monday, the Cleveland Browns officially named Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, when they will face the Cincinnati Bengals.
The decision was expected. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski opted for the experience of Flacco, 40, over his other options under center — fourth-year QB Kenny Pickett and the rookie duo of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
However, the Browns’ use of an old nickname for Flacco caused quite a stir before his showdown with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in the season opener.
“Joe Cool leading the way,” announced the Browns in a social media post. “We’ve named Joe Flacco our starting quarterback.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) is also known as “Joe Cool.” — Source: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Flacco, Burrow, Montana: Who is the Real “Joe Cool”?
Since his cigar-smoking, national title-winning days at LSU, the nickname “Joe Cool” has been associated with Burrow.
“Joe Cool” is derived from Snoopy’s alter ego in the “Peanuts” cartoon series. The first football player to earn the nickname was four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana, but Burrow captured it recently with his poised and confident style under center.
Flacco has carried the same moniker since his time with the Baltimore Ravens from 2008-2018, but fans stood firm in their belief that there can only be one “Joe Cool” in 2025 — and it is not Flacco.
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“No way did they call him Joe cool,” replied a fan on X.
“Can’t say Joe Cool you (expletive) well know why,” complained one response.
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“Gross… there is only one Joe Cool and it’s not Flacco,” wrote a user.
“He ain’t Joe cool,” commented another Bengals fan. “You wish you had Joe cool but he’s on our team.”
The first 2025 battle for “Joe Cool” bragging rights will take place in Week 1, when the Browns host the Bengals at Huntington Bank Field at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Flacco is 0-1 against Burrow in his career. Their only matchup came in Week 3 of the 2022 season, when the Bengals beat the Jets 27-12.
About the Author
Parker Johnson
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Parker Johnson is a trending news writer for Athlon Sports.