Cincinnati Bengals fans were vocal in their gratitude towards Cleveland after Joe Flacco, recently released by the Browns, led Cincinnati to a stunning win over Pittsburgh on Thursday night.
However, not every fan in Cleveland shared the same sentiment following the game.
Last week, the Browns made headlines by trading their Week 1 starting quarterback to their in-state rivals, the Bengals. Flacco made a solid debut against the Packers, considering he had just moved to Cincinnati and only practiced with the team for five days before taking the field.
In his second start, he truly shone, posting 342 yards and three touchdowns, securing a crucial 33-31 victory against the Steelers.
Cleveland sports radio host Tony Rizzo was less than pleased with the Browns’ management on Friday, launching into a passionate tirade about the team’s decision-making.
“How can you do that, Andrew? How can you do that!” he exclaimed, addressing Browns GM Andrew Berry. “What on earth made you think trading him to a rival for a fifth-round pick was a good idea? That’s a fireable offense! Absolutely fireable!”
Berry traded Flacco along with a sixth-round pick in 2026 to the Bengals for a fifth-round pick in the same year. Rizzo was evidently unhappy about watching Flacco rise in draft status compared to his time in Cleveland.
“When will the owners pay attention to this mess?” Rizzo questioned. “Fans deserve better. The focus seems to be on maintaining the stadium rather than improving the football team. That’s the perception, Jimmy (Browns owner Jimmy Haslam).”
Rizzo then went direct, criticizing Haslam for allowing poor leadership choices to undermine the franchise.
“You’re permitting these decisions to happen. Your team has the worst offense, and your GM has ruined this quarterback situation like nothing I’ve ever seen. This is truly unprecedented,” Rizzo stated. “Honestly, even kids playing Madden could do a better job—I’m joking, of course. But really, this has become a farce.”
The Browns’ struggles with finding and developing quarterbacks have been widely recognized. In 2021 alone, they had 10 different starting quarterbacks, bringing the total to 41 since 1999.
Haslam’s dismal record is also well-documented. Since he became the principal owner in 2012, the team has achieved 74 wins against 143 losses and has made the playoffs only twice.
Rizzo’s frustration is palpable; if he’s this upset over Flacco’s success against the Steelers, one can only imagine the reaction when Flacco faces the Browns later this season.
