"No different": Joe Flacco makes honest claim about sharing Browns QB room with Shedeur Sanders

Jul 17, 2026, 2:05 PM CUT

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco 16 stands on the sideline before the game against the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Cardinals at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228085

Joe Flacco has shared quarterback rooms with players nearly two decades younger than him, but one rookie left a lasting impression. During his 2025 stint with the Cleveland Browns, the veteran found himself alongside Shedeur Sanders, leading to an honest take on him.

Speaking of that part of his career, Flacco said the experience was no different despite the over-15-year age gap between him and Sanders.

"I mean, listen, it was a quarterback room," said Flacco, "It was no different than any other quarterback room that I’ve been a part of. I usually have good relationships with those guys, and this was no other. This was no different than that. It was a group of guys, kind of working towards the common goal, but at the same time competing and trying to make each other better, and trying to come out on top of that whole thing."

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 16: Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco 15 and Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 have a discussion during the preseason game between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles on August 16th, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 16 Preseason Browns at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250816117

For Flacco, the age gap "isn't that big of a deal," as per his interview with Heavy Sports. When Joe Flacco entered the NFL back in 2008, Sanders was merely six. The other young Cleveland quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, was seven.

Flacco, back then, was an 18th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. After winning a Super Bowl with the Ravens in his fifth year, he would also go on to later play for three out of the four AFC North franchises.

His performance for Cleveland didn't go as planned, resulting in a league-high eight turnovers. That ultimately led to him being benched for Gabriel. Things were not looking good for Flacco, and he needed a switch.

That eventually came with his trade to his present organization, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Flacco is excited about coming over to the Bengals

Just as Flacco thought it was the end of the road for him, he got a chance at redemption. Andrew Barry's call asking Joe Flacco for his opinion on being traded to Cincinnati changed his trajectory.

Chatterbox Sports recently shared a clip of the Netflix "Quarterback" documentary on their X platform.

"Ultimately, you want to play, right? It's just crazy," said Flacco,"I mean, definitely did not have this on the list of things to happen this year. I got the call today, and I figured, ‘Oh shoot, I might be getting cut, who knows?’ Next thing you know, I’m taking a little drive south. You get to go play in the NFL, and like, just go have fun. Sling it around and see what happens."

Flacco joining the Cincinnati Bengals proved to be a blessing. He posted 13 touchdowns with a 91.0 passer rating. This also led to Flacco’s first Pro Bowl appearance 18 seasons into his career.

However, when Joe Burrow was healthy to start, Flacco was again relegated to the bench.

Now, he will surely be ready to step up as QB2 when Joe Burrow is unavailable. His track record proves he can do the job, and Bengals fans can count on his experience.

Do you think Joe Burrow will have a better year in 2026? Let us know through your comments.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote