Joe Flacco’s wife, Dana Flacco, was puzzled after the Cleveland Browns traded the veteran quarterback to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.
During a press conference on Friday, Flacco mentioned how he was surprisingly impressed when Dana asked him about the Bengals’ playbook before their Week 6 match against the Packers.
“I’ve never really had her read it to me, but we were at the hotel, and I had her go over part of the game plan. She actually did a good job,” Flacco, 40, joked.
He explained, “There’s a rhythm to calling plays in the huddle and delivering them to someone else. It’s not just about the words; it’s how you say them. She wasn’t quite familiar with formations, shifts, or where the play actually starts. I didn’t expect her to have the rhythm, but it surprisingly worked.”
Flacco and Dana have known each other since high school in New Jersey and tied the knot in 2011. They are parents to five children: sons Stephen, Daniel, Frances, and Thomas, and their daughter Evelyn.
The Bengals have been struggling, losing three consecutive games since Joe Burrow, their starting quarterback, sustained a turf toe injury during a match against the Jaguars on September 14.
Jake Browning stepped in for Burrow, finishing with 21 completions on 32 attempts for 241 yards, including two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Burrow has undergone surgery on his left toe and is projected to be sidelined for at least three months.
After some disappointing performances from Browning, the Bengals turned to Flacco in hopes of improving their season.
Interestingly, they tested the waters across the league, reaching out to teams with three quarterbacks or a viable backup option. Reports indicate they showed interest in players like Davis Mills, Sam Howell, and Derek Carr, who, despite announcing his retirement in May, still remains under contract with the Saints.
Even though Flacco only has four days to prepare, he has gained a reputation for joining teams mid-season and immediately making an impact.
“I’ve spoken with Joe, and I’m confident he’ll be a great asset,” Flacco noted on Friday. “Just his insights on plays or how he approached certain situations can streamline our understanding and connect to our previous experiences.”
The former Super Bowl MVP might have a slight edge, having recently helped the Browns secure a victory against the Packers earlier this season.
