Joe Flacco is kind of a legend. But honestly, if you tried to list every jersey he’s worn lately without checking a cheat sheet, you’d probably fail. It’s been a wild ride. Most fans remember him as the quiet, big-armed guy in Baltimore who went on that insane 2012 playoff tear, but the second half of his career has been a literal tour of the NFL.
If you are wondering who did joe flacco play for, the answer depends on which year you stopped watching. He hasn't just been a "backup." He's been a savior for teams in desperate spots and a mentor to the next generation of stars.
The Baltimore Years: Where it All Started
The Baltimore Ravens took a chance on a kid from Delaware in 2008. Not many people expected a small-school quarterback to start Day 1, let alone win. He did. Flacco didn't just play for the Ravens; he became the face of the franchise for 11 seasons.
He wasn't always flashy. He didn't care about "elite" debates. He just won games. The pinnacle was Super Bowl XLVII. Flacco threw 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions during that postseason. He tied Joe Montana’s record. Think about that for a second. A kid from Audubon, New Jersey, matching the greatest to ever do it.
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By the time he left in 2018, he had 106 wins and a Super Bowl MVP trophy. But things changed when a guy named Lamar Jackson showed up.
Life After Baltimore: The Journey Begins
When the Ravens moved on, Flacco didn't quit. He headed West.
- Denver Broncos (2019): This was supposed to be a fresh start. It didn't quite work out. He started eight games before a neck injury ended his season. It felt like the end for him, but Joe had other plans.
- New York Jets (2020–2022): Flacco spent a lot of time in Green and White over three seasons. He was mostly there to help Sam Darnold and later Zach Wilson. He still had "it" though. Remember that miracle comeback against the Browns in 2022? Down 13 points with two minutes left? Yeah, that was Flacco.
- Philadelphia Eagles (2021): This is a trivia question favorite. He signed with Philly but never actually played a regular-season game for them before they traded him back to the Jets.
The Cleveland Comeback and Beyond
Just when everyone thought he was done—like, sitting-on-his-couch-watching-red-zone done—the Cleveland Browns called. It was 2023. Deshaun Watson was out. The Browns were desperate.
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Flacco came in and looked like 2012 Joe. He threw for over 300 yards in four straight games. He led them to the playoffs. He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. It was easily the coolest story in sports that year. People in Cleveland were wearing "Elite" t-shirts again.
After a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024 to mentor Anthony Richardson, Flacco actually found his way back to the AFC North. As of 2025 and early 2026, he’s been bouncing between the Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. It's sort of poetic. The guy who spent a decade tormenting the AFC North now keeps getting hired to save it.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Teams Joe Flacco Played For
- Baltimore Ravens (2008–2018)
- Denver Broncos (2019)
- New York Jets (2020–2022)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2021 - Preseason/Roster only)
- Cleveland Browns (2023, 2025)
- Indianapolis Colts (2024)
- Cincinnati Bengals (2025–Present)
Why Joe Still Matters in 2026
You've got to respect the longevity. Joe Flacco is now 41. Most guys his age are doing commentary or selling insurance. Instead, he’s still chucking 50-yard bombs.
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The reason he keeps getting jobs is simple: he’s a professional. He knows how to read a defense. He doesn't panic. And honestly, his arm hasn't aged a day. Coaches love having a guy who has seen everything the league can throw at him.
Whether he’s starting in Cincinnati or backing up in Cleveland, his impact is the same. He’s the bridge between the old-school pocket passer and the modern era.
If you're following his current season, keep an eye on the injury reports and depth charts. He’s usually just one play away from taking the field and reminding everyone why he was a first-round pick nearly two decades ago. Check out the latest NFL roster moves to see where he's suiting up this Sunday.