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Joe Flacco makes honest admission on the pressure he has to win the starting job for the Browns with five children at home

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 9:20 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns are back on the practice field for training camp and have been for a few days now as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Much of the attention — and rightfully so — is focused on the quarterback position and who will earn the starting job. Joe Flacco appears to be the early favorite given his experience, but he faces competition from Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.

Joe Flacco gets real about his kids and the pressure to win the starting job

Flacco, a 17-year NFL veteran, has five children at home. When asked if that adds any pressure to win the starting job, Flacco offered a thoughtful and honest response.

“Yeah, I mean, I went home in the beginning of June. They’re like, ‘Are you the starter?’ It’s not added pressure,” Flacco explained. “It makes it a lot of fun. It almost takes pressure off because that almost helps put me in the moment and see it for what it is. You wish you could see it from an 11, 12, 13-year-old’s eyes.”

So when you hang around them and see the questions they ask and the way they phrase things, it honestly kind of helps. It helps put things in the moment and really reminds you of what’s important — and why this game is so important to you. It’s just a good reminder.”

The Browns likely wouldn’t have made the playoffs in 2023 without Flacco, who helped ignite the offense down the stretch — a perfect complement to Cleveland’s elite defense. Many were surprised the Browns didn’t re-sign him for 2024, as he ended up spending the season with the Indianapolis Colts. In six starts, Flacco threw for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Now back in Cleveland, Flacco is once again the most experienced quarterback in the room. With the former Super Bowl MVP, you know there will be a few interceptions — but you’ll also get big plays, leadership, and points on the board.

Flacco’s comments about his children and the quarterback competition are likely to resonate with fans — and might even earn him a few more supporters hoping he wins the job.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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