Joe Flacco, one of the most recognized veteran quarterbacks in the NFL, is currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. Flacco’s career has seen him take snaps for several NFL teams, displaying his enduring skill and leadership across the league. Here’s a look back at the teams Flacco has played for and the key moments that define his legacy, including his most recent signing with the Colts.
Joe Flacco’s Championship Run in Baltimore
Flacco led the Ravens to the postseason in his first five years, a span that included four seasons with at least ten wins. Baltimore reached the AFC Championship Game three times in his first five seasons and made the Super Bowl in the 2012 season.
In Super Bowl XLVII, Flacco and the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, to win the franchise’s second championship. Flacco was named MVP of the game after completing 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards with three first-half touchdowns.
Flacco was the Ravens’ starting quarterback for the first 112 games of his career until he injured his knee during the 2015 season. The injury cost Flacco the final six games of that season, but he returned to start the next 41 games until he suffered a hip injury. Rookie Lamar Jackson took over as starter, a spot he wouldn’t give up during the season. Jackson led the Ravens to the playoffs, and this ended Flacco’s time with Baltimore.
In 11 seasons with Baltimore, Flacco completed 61.7% of his passes for 5,670 yards with 212 touchdowns and 136 interceptions. The Ravens were 96-67 when Flacco started and made the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons.
Broncos, Jets, and Eagles Take a Shot on the Journeyman
Baltimore traded Flacco to the Denver Broncos for a fourth-round pick following the 2018 season. A neck injury suffered in his eighth game ended Flacco’s time with the Broncos. Denver was 2-6 with Flacco as a starter before he was placed on injured reserve. He had 1,822 pass yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games. The Broncos released Flacco in March 2020 because of a failed physical.
Less than two months after the Broncos released Flacco, who is a native of New Jersey, he signed with the New York Jets. Flacco, who started four of the five games he played, had six touchdowns and three interceptions with the Jets in 2020.
Flacco signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2021 season. In three preseason games, he completed 66% of his passes for 449 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Flacco was traded back to the Jets in October after not playing in the regular season. He played in two games in 2021 and another five after re-signing with New York for the 2022 season.
Why Did Flacco Sign With the Browns?
Flacco’s time with the Cleveland Browns was one of the better stories in the NFL. His contributions helped lead the team to a playoff berth, and he was named the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Flacco told the media after he signed that he received a recommendation for the Browns from a former coach: “I mean, even before I came and worked out here, Gary Kubiak gave me a call and just had a lot of praise for these guys. And I trust Gary’s word. I was only with him one year, but very honest man.” Kubiak was Flacco’s offensive coordinator with the Ravens in 2014.
New Chapter With the Colts
In 2024, Joe Flacco signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, initially as a backup to Anthony Richardson. However, Flacco soon took over as the starting quarterback on October 30, 2024, due to Richardson’s struggles. In his first start against the Minnesota Vikings, Flacco showcased his experience by completing 33 of 44 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns, a testament to his lasting talent and poise, even though the Colts narrowly lost 37–34.
As the Colts try to remain competitive in the AFC South, Flacco will now be tasked with leading the team as their new starter. Head coach Shane Steichen told the media that he would be the QB moving forward, as Richardson looks to learn from the veteran on the sidelines.