After 11 years in Baltimore and more than six seasons away from the Ravens, Joe Flacco returns to Charm City for the first time in his career on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns come into town.
The Browns starting quarterback admitted on Wednesday he’s surprised it didn’t happen sooner and is looking forward to the opportunity.
“We were on good terms when I left,” Flacco said. “But at the same time, you know, it’s natural to feel a certain way when you’re going against a team that you’re not playing for anymore. I’ve been a part of other players that do that and you kind of try to act normal, but it is a big deal. You do want to go beat them, and it’s a little bit of a difference.”
Flacco remains appreciative of the organization and of the many years he spent leading them to success — highlighted by a win in Super Bowl XLVII in which he won MVP. He called Baltimore on Wednesday a “very special place” where he made “many good memories,” and added he won’t feel quite as emotionally charged because he has faced the Ravens in the past — just not in Baltimore.
This time around, he’ll occupy the visiting sideline at M&T Bank Stadium while wearing the colors the organization that now exists in Baltimore left behind in Cleveland in 1996.
The context of Flacco’s return adds plenty of intrigue. The 2025 season will be the Ravens’ 30th in Baltimore, prompting a celebration that will include the return of a handful of Ravens legends: Hall of Famers Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis and Ozzie Newsome.
