Joe Flacco on Returning to Baltimore to Face Ravens: 'It Doesn't Get Much Better Than That'
Joe Flacco has played against the Ravens once since they traded him after the 2018 season. The game was at MetLife Stadium in 2022 when Flacco was with the New York Jets.
Having been named the Browns’ starting quarterback this week, the 40-year-old Flacco is set to play his first game as a visitor at M&T Bank Stadium when the Ravens host Cleveland in Baltimore's Week 2 home opener.
Flacco revealed his thoughts about returning to his old stomping grounds during a media session with Browns reporters Tuesday.
"I'd love playing in Baltimore," said Flacco, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Ravens. "Such a special place, unbelievable fans, division game. It doesn't get much better than that. That is what the plan is and it definitely would be very exciting."
Head Coach John Harbaugh acknowledged that Flacco's homecoming "obviously will be a big story."
"[I have] a lot of respect for Joe," Harbaugh said. "We'll try to just focus on playing the best game we can, but we know Joe can sling it."
Flacco, now in his 18th season, said he "feels as good as I ever have."
"I really do feel great," he said. "My arm feels as good as ever. My legs feel really good right now to do the things I'm going to have to do, so I feel ready to go."
Flacco, who led the 2012 Ravens to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII and was named the game's MVP, has not started a game at M&T Bank Stadium since Nov. 4, 2018. He suffered a hip injury during that contest, which opened the door for Lamar Jackson to take over as the Ravens' starter.
After leaving the Ravens, Flacco spent time with the Denver Broncos, Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Browns, and Indianapolis Colts.
Flacco started the Browns' final five games in 2023, winning four and leading them to a wild-card berth. In those five games, he threw 13 touchdown passes, eight interceptions, and averaged a career-high 323.2 passing yards per game.
Flacco went 2-4 as a starter with the Colts last season before re-signing with Cleveland this offseason.
In Flacco's one start against the Ravens, he went 37-for-59 for 309 yards with a touchdown and an interception as Baltimore beat the Jets, 24-9.