Joe Flacco has added an unexpected yet remarkable chapter to his long NFL career. At 40, the veteran quarterback has been named to his first-ever Pro Bowl roster, earning a replacement spot on the AFC team ahead of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games.
The announcement, made on January 30, 2026, marks a rare late-career honor for an 18-year NFL veteran who had previously won a Super Bowl but never received Pro Bowl recognition.
Flacco’s selection stands out not only for its timing but also for its symbolism. Despite leading the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII and spending more than a decade as their franchise quarterback, he had been overlooked for Pro Bowl honors throughout his prime years.
Resurgence across two AFC stops
The 2025 season proved pivotal in reshaping Joe Flacco’s narrative. He appeared in 13 games, making 10 starts while splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.
After beginning the season in Cleveland, Flacco was traded to Cincinnati on October 7 and immediately became a steady presence under center.
His run with the Bengals showcased one of the most productive stretches of his career. Between Weeks 6 and 12, Flacco ranked among the league leaders in multiple passing categories, finishing second in completions, tied for third in touchdown passes, and fifth in passing yards during that span.
According to Bengals.com, he recorded a career-high 470 passing yards against Chicago in Week 9 and followed it up with a 342-yard, three-touchdown performance in a win over Pittsburgh.
Recognition shaped by circumstance and consistency
Joe Flacco’s Pro Bowl nod comes as a replacement, following the unavailability of other AFC quarterbacks. Still, the honor reflects both his individual production and his ability to remain competitive well into his 40s.
He joins Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders as replacement quarterbacks on the AFC roster, a pairing that highlights the contrast between NFL longevity and emerging talent.
Over the full season, Flacco completed 251 of 416 passes for 2,479 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns against 10 interceptions—numbers that underscore his efficiency despite limited continuity between teams.
Pro Bowl spotlight awaits
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will be held on February 3 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco and broadcast live on ESPN.
Joe Flacco becomes the seventh quarterback in Cincinnati Bengals history to receive Pro Bowl recognition, joining teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as part of the franchise’s strong presence at the event.