Cleveland’s Veteran Gambit: Super Bowl MVP to Lead Dawg Pound Into Battle Once Again
📍Cleveland | August 18, 2025
SPECIAL REPORT — Dawg Pound Daily
The whispers are over. The wait is done. The Cleveland Browns have made it official: Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old gunslinger who turned a late-season call-up into a playoff miracle in 2024, will be the starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
🔥 The Legend Returns
This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a full-circle football saga. A year ago, Flacco was out of the league. Now? He’s QB1 for a team that believes it has unfinished business.
💬 “Joe’s command of the offense, leadership in the locker room, and ability to deliver in the clutch made this a clear decision,” said Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “He’s earned this.”
🧠 Veteran Over Youth
With Deshaun Watson still recovering from shoulder surgery and younger QBs like Dorian Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kellen Pryor still developing, the Browns opted for trust over potential. Flacco’s veteran savvy, quick release, and no-nonsense attitude give Cleveland an anchor at the most important position.
📈 Flacco’s 2024 Comeback Run (in case you forgot):
- Joined in Week 13
- Threw for 1,400+ yards and 13 TDs in 5 games
- Led Browns to 4-1 record and Wild Card berth
- Became Cleveland’s first playoff-winning QB in decades
🏟️ Week 1 Showdown: Browns vs. Steelers – Sept. 8
Circle your calendars and prep your tailgate gear—because Cleveland is riding with Joe in a division-opening war against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s experience vs. youth. Cold-blooded composure vs. AFC North chaos.
👑 The Flacco Effect
Love him or doubt him, one thing is clear: Joe Flacco has the locker room, the huddle, and now… the keys to the city.
🗣️ “Joe Flacco didn’t just win games last season. He won hearts,” said one fan at training camp. “Let’s run it back, baby!”
📣 COMING SOON on Browns Live:
- Exclusive Interview: Joe Flacco on Life at 40 and the Pressure of QB1
- Mic’d Up Moments: Inside the huddle with Flacco during preseason
- Game Film Breakdown: Can the Browns’ O-line give Joe time to cook?
