Browns QB Joe Flacco 'super grateful' for opportunity after wild-card loss to Texans

Joe Flacco‘s run with Cleveland was one of the bright late-season storylines heading into Super Wild Card Weekend.

Unfortunately, the Browns couldn’t keep up with the Houston Texans in Saturday’s 45-14 loss, ending Flacco’s endearing return to the playoffs.

“After the game, via the team transcript, Flacco expressed his gratitude for being a part of the team. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this unique group. I understand that many people might say the same, but it genuinely is special. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to work with these guys. This is the reason we all love football,” he said.

Flacco, set to turn 39 on Tuesday, was instrumental in propelling Cleveland into the postseason. However, his performance faltered in the second half on Saturday, with two consecutive pick sixes contributing to the Browns’ early departure from the playoffs.

“Indeed, the ending is disappointing,” expressed Flacco, after completing 34 out of 46 passes for 307 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions, and an 80.6 passer rating. “When you receive such immense support from the city and the team, you aspire to accomplish great things, primarily for your teammates who have been phenomenal, as I mentioned. I can’t express enough gratitude to the organization, my teammates, and the city. The conclusion is unpleasant, but the journey was enjoyable and I appreciate the time we shared.”

The former Ravens quarterback and Super Bowl XLVII MVP was not on an NFL roster at the start of the 2023 season. However, two months in, the Browns signed him to their practice squad after starting quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Two weeks later, Flacco made his first start for the Browns, and the 17-year veteran never looked back, injecting Cleveland with offensive life and leading the Browns to a crucial Week 17 triumph over the Jets thanks to a three-TD performance. The win secured a playoff berth for the Browns after a two-year absence. 

Flacco finished the regular season going 4-1 as a starter. In those five games, he threw for 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Flacco’s chapter under center in Cleveland was closed on Saturday by the Texans and rookie C.J. Stroud, who is one of the favorites to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but the veteran hopes to keep his career going in 2024.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Dec. 17, that Flacco wants to play in 2024 and has no intentions of retiring.

After the wild-card loss on Saturday, he was questioned about the possibility of returning to the Browns next season, even if it required him to be a backup to Watson.

“Let me make it clear, I adore this place,” he replied. “At present, we are grappling with a lot, processing the feelings associated with this game and the thrill of being in this spot, only to end with nothing. I believe that’s my current state of mind. I’m trying to take it all in and give it some time to sink in.”