Joe Flacco may not be eager to wear the title of “mentor,” but his presence as a leader for the Cleveland Browns is undeniable.
The 40-year-old veteran rejoined the Browns this offseason following a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts. He now finds himself in a quarterback group that includes Kenny Pickett, as well as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Earlier this offseason, Flacco made it clear that he’s not approaching his role with a mentorship mindset, at least not in the traditional sense. His focus remains squarely on competing.
“It’s not really about that. It’s just not the main focus,” Flacco said during minicamp when asked about being a mentor. “I see myself as a guy that can play in this league. … The best way to be a mentor, honestly, is to show people how you go to work and, like I said, hope that they pick up on that stuff, but not necessarily force them to pick up on the things that you do.”
Joel Bitino Backs Joe Flacco: ‘It’s the Way He Carries Himself’
Veteran offensive lineman Joel Bitonio recently commented on Flacco’s impact, noting the way he’s actively engaged with the younger quarterbacks.
“Despite what you have read, he has been working with the younger guys; it’s just the way he carries himself,” Bitonio told Barry Shuck of Dawgs by Nature.
Bitonio also highlighted the leadership and steady presence Flacco brings to the Browns’ quarterback room, traits that helped him go 4-1 as a starter during Cleveland’s playoff push in 2023.
“He is coming in already knowing the situation. He is just one of the guys, which is the coolest thing ever. Obviously has the experience, but he is also poised and a competitor,” Bitonio said. “He is a big dude and is probably the tallest guy in the huddle except for Dawand. He can see over everyone and is a lot stronger than you would think. He knows how to work the pocket and still has that mentality.”
Joe Flacco Trusts Browns’ Process
The Browns are working through a crowded four-man quarterback competition, and with limited reps to go around, it hasn’t been easy. Flacco saw limited action during minicamp and OTAs, not due to performance, but because his 200-plus career starts give the Browns confidence in what he brings to the table. Despite the reduced workload, Flacco remains bought in and expressed trust in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s process.
“I don’t know what the plan is exactly, but I trust Kevin and that he has a plan for all of this,” Flacco said. “That’s really all I can do. I’d love to go out there and take 120 reps a day, get in a groove and do all those things, but like I said, the coaches have a plan. Kevin has a plan, and my job is just to trust that, go out there and do the best I can.”
The Browns are expected to provide more clarity during training camp, which is set to begin later this month. Rookies will report on July 18, with the veterans joining on July 22. Cleveland’s first preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
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