Postgame Handshake Between Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers Catches Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 12:17 AM ET

Key Points

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on Thursday Night Football.
Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers faced off in what was the second-oldest quarterback matchup in NFL history.
After the game, the two veteran signal-callers showed mutual respect for one another.

The Cincinnati Bengals entered Thursday night at 2-4 and in desperation mode to save their season. When they needed it most, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco — whom they acquired just over a week ago — delivered, leading the team to a 33-31 victory, sealed by a 36-yard field goal from Evan McPherson.

The Bengals’ game-winning drive began with just over two minutes remaining, starting from their own 30-yard line, after Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had completed a 68-yard go-ahead touchdown on 2nd-and-20.

In the battle of 40-plus-year-old quarterbacks, it was Flacco and the Bengals who came out on top. Still, there was no shortage of mutual respect between the two veterans after the game.

"Flacco. Rodgers. Respect." NFL on Prime Video posted.

Flacco. Rodgers. Respect. #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/7By77hYIej
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 17, 2025

"As a Steeler's fan I have to congratulate you on a great game. I still can't believe the Browns were foolish enough to give you a great QB who will beat them next," a fan said.

Someone else added, "That was an awesome showing by the both of them."

Another person wrote, "As a fellow 40 year old. These are dudes."

"MUTUAL RESPECT," one more fan commented.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 16: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers congratulates Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals after the game at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers finished the night completing 23 of 34 passes for 249 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Joe Flacco went 31-for-47 for 342 yards and three touchdowns.

Flacco found Ja’Marr Chase early and often, connecting with him 16 times for 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins also contributed six receptions for 96 yards and a score.

For Pittsburgh, tight end Pat Freiermuth led the way with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Both teams will now get an extended break before returning to action in Week 7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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