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Joe Flacco Embraces Quiet Life in Cincinnati: 'It’s Nice to Sit Alone Sometimes'
Joe Flacco Embraces Quiet Life in Cincinnati: “It’s Nice to Sit Alone Sometimes” 1 Joe Flacco (Image via IMAGO)

Joe Flacco Embraces Quiet Life in Cincinnati: 'It’s Nice to Sit Alone Sometimes'

Originally posted on FirstSportz  |  By Ishan Misra  |  Last updated Oct 23, 2025 3:07 AM ET

Joe Flacco misses his family, especially his five kids. He would love to listen to their chatter while sitting at the dining table. However, being an NFL quarterback, he stays away from them for long periods of time.

During his 18-year stint in the NFL, the New Jersey native has started for several teams all across the country. Occasionally, the 40-year-old does feel lonely, but he has learned to cope with it.

For me, it’s trying to find ways to maybe stay over here a little bit longer, then just take myself out of that mindset and call home. Go sit at a restaurant by myself and realize that man, that’s pretty enjoyable to do.

Joe Flacco said on Wednesday via FOX 19′s Joe Danneman

Last year, Flacco was in Indianapolis, and at the beginning of 2025, he moved to Cleveland to sign with the Browns. After losing his role as the starting quarterback on the team, Flacco switched across the state of Ohio to join the Cincinnati Bengals to help the AFC North franchise remain competitive until Joe Burrow‘s return.

Flacco’s two games as the Bengals QB1 yielded a 1-1 record. The Bengals lost to the Green Bay Packers, but bounced back to record a famous win against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The veteran Pro Bowler is living his dream, making the big bucks, and is always surrounded by his teammates. Yet, at the same time, he enjoys some alone time.

I used to see guys sitting at a bar by themselves or just sitting by themselves eating, and I’m like, ‘Man, I feel so bad for that guy.’ You always want to go join him, and now I realize that dude was in heaven.

Joe Flacco joked

Joe Flacco was nervous to play in the Bengals’ offense

Two straight wins to start the season gave the Bengals renewed hope. It lasted for a very short amount of time. Burrow’s injury paved the way for Jake Browning , who started and lost four consecutive games before the Bengals front office took the drastic decision to trade for Flacco.

The former Ravens and Jets QB was named the starter, which raised a lot of eyebrows. Even though he has loads of experience at the highest level, Flacco wasn’t familiar with Zac Taylor’s playbook. So he had no other option but to improvise. This made Flacco nervous.

I know I’m 40 years old, but the first couple times I threw to Ja’Marr [Chase] and Tee [Higgins], I was a little bit nervous. “I’m like, ‘Man, I want them to know. Like, I can put some nice touch on it.’ I could put it where you want it.

Joe Flacco said on the Fitz and Whit Podcast this week with ex-NFL players, Andrew Whitworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick (H/T: Sports Illustrated)

In the Packers game, Flacco overthrew WR Ja’Marr Chase on a “skinny post route.” Flacco thought to himself, “‘Oh man, he thinks I suck.’“

He redeemed himself in the Steelers game, feeding Chase 23 targets (caught 16 for 161 yards and scored 1 touchdown). Tee Higgins had 6 catches for 96 yards and 1 TD.

Flacco has played six games this campaign, completing 153 passes from 252 targets for 1376 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The Bengals’ next game is against the Jets in New York, so he may get the chance to spend some time with his family.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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