Both his wife and son opted to bench the veteran quarterback during his return to Baltimore
Category: Arts & Culture
Joe Flacco's family made a notable decision during the third season of Netflix's docuseries Quarterback, opting to bench the veteran quarterback for their fantasy football teams. This surprising twist unfolded during Episode 1 as the Flaccos returned to Baltimore for a game where the Cleveland Browns faced off against the Ravens on September 14, 2025.
The episode captures a humorous exchange in the stands between Flacco's wife, Dana, and their son, Frank. "If Dad goes off, I'm gonna crash out," Frank said, prompting Dana to ask for clarification. "I benched him," he replied, to which Dana humorously responded, "I hope he goes off." This light-hearted moment highlights the often humorous dynamics of family and fantasy football.
Interestingly, the Flacco family's decision to bench Joe turned out to be a wise one. In the game against the Ravens, the Browns suffered a heavy defeat, losing 41-17. Flacco's performance was less than stellar, completing 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also lost a fumble, which resulted in a fantasy output that would have been a nightmare for any fantasy football manager.
In fact, Flacco ranked 27th among quarterbacks in fantasy points that week, scoring only 9.8 points. The only quarterbacks who performed worse were Justin Fields, Joe Burrow, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Geno Smith, with Fields and Burrow leaving their games early due to injuries.
Throughout the 2025 season, Flacco, now 41 years old, had some standout performances, including a 342-yard, three-touchdown game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 470-yard, four-touchdown showing against the Chicago Bears. Yet, his family opted for other options during those weeks, demonstrating a lack of faith in his consistency.
This family dynamic was showcased against the backdrop of Flacco's complex career. Known for his Super Bowl victory with the Ravens in 2013, Flacco's return to Baltimore in 2025 was highly publicized. It marked his first game back at M&T Bank Stadium since leaving the Ravens, a team he led to a championship.
His transition to the Browns, following a series of ups and downs in his career, included a challenging environment characterized by a struggling offensive line and limited receiving options. Over four games with the Browns, Flacco completed just 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards, with two touchdowns and six interceptions, underscoring the difficulties he faced during that period.
After the Browns' disappointing start, Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he signed a one-year contract worth $6 million, with incentives that could increase its value to $9 million. This new chapter in his career came with the hope of revitalizing his performance and contributing to a more competitive team.
As Flacco looks ahead to his tenure with the Bengals, the expectations will be high. His performance in the upcoming season will be closely examined, particularly as he aims to regain his status as a reliable quarterback. The Bengals' decision to acquire him reflects their belief in his ability to contribute significantly, especially considering the team's recent struggles.
Fans will eagerly await to see how Flacco adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate his earlier successes. With the Bengals' offensive strategy and improved roster, including high draft picks at receiver, Flacco may find himself in a more favorable position to succeed.
As for the Flacco family, their humorous take on fantasy football and the reality of professional sports will likely continue. They have gained new fans since the release of Quarterback, and their candid moments provide a relatable glimpse into the life of an NFL family.
With the new season approaching, Flacco's performance will impact his career and the fantasy football decisions of his family and fans alike. As they prepare for the next season, the Flaccos will undoubtedly remain engaged in both family dynamics and the unpredictability of fantasy football.