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Brooke Pryor
Multiple Authors
SAN FRANCISCO — Throughout his 18-year NFL career, quarterback Joe Flacco has achieved nearly everything imaginable.
He’s claimed a Super Bowl title, earned the Super Bowl MVP award, received the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year honor, started for three of the AFC North teams, and participated in 209 career games.
but, until last week, Flacco had never made it to the Pro Bowl.
At 41 years old, the veteran finally received the call he had been anticipating, being named a replacement quarterback for the AFC in the NFL all-star game, scheduled to face the NFC on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN).
“[Bengals coach] Zac [Taylor] called me to gauge my interest, and I told him I’d be in if the opportunity arose,” Flacco shared before his inaugural practice on Monday morning. “It’s not something you focus on constantly, but it’s definitely a goal lurking in the back of your mind.”
Flacco stands among 29 first-time Pro Bowlers, but according to the Elias Sports Information Bureau, he holds the record for the longest wait for his initial Pro Bowl selection in league history.
During much of his career, Flacco faced fierce competition in the AFC, with stars like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning securing their spots. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers also made it challenging. While Flacco’s Ravens triumphed in Super Bowl XLVII with him named MVP, Manning and Brady consistently edged him out for Pro Bowl selections.
“I always aspired to be one of those three guys who gets voted in,” Flacco mentioned. “I try to explain that Tom and Peyton had at least two of those spots locked down for a long time.”
Flacco finally secured his spot as a replacement after the three original AFC quarterbacks either withdrew or were unable to play. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye won’t participate due to his involvement in Super Bowl LX (Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC), while both Josh Allen and Justin Herbert are healing from late-season injuries.
Flacco became the second replacement quarterback named to the roster, following his former Cleveland Browns teammate Shedeur Sanders, who received a call a couple of days earlier. Sanders was just 6 years old in 2008 when Flacco was drafted 18th overall by the Baltimore Ravens. plus, Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who was 12 when Flacco entered the league, also earned a Pro Bowl nod as a final replacement.
Before Monday’s practice, Sanders playfully poked fun at Flacco.
“I’ve already achieved my goal,” Sanders remarked, responding to inquiries about his Pro Bowl aspirations. “Just being around so many great players, and Joe Flacco, still rocking those sweatpants from practice.”
even if Flacco would have preferred to make the Pro Bowl sooner, the timing of his selection is particularly exciting for him, as his four sons and a daughter, aged between 7 and 13, are thrilled about the experience.
“At this stage, it’s really fantastic, especially since my boys are so eager to be part of this,” Flacco expressed. “It’s a lot of fun.”
in the same way, Denver Broncos lineman Garett Bolles is also making his maiden Pro Bowl appearance, though the 2017 first-round pick had to wait half the time Flacco did.
“I didn’t kick off my career as I had hoped, but I’m wrapping it up the way I wanted, which is what’s most important,” Bolles said. “I have a saying — it doesn’t matter how you start, but how you finish counts. Continuous hard work eventually pays off.”
Like Flacco, Bolles values the timing of his selection because of the chance to create memorable moments with his child.
“My 9-year-old son Kingston is at an age where he truly enjoys this and loves being part of it,” Bolles noted. “Sharing this experience, and all the swag, makes it even more exciting. It’s truly amazing to have him understand what Dad does and to share this with him.”
Before Sunday’s practice, Bolles was seen throwing passes to Kingston, who was just 4 months old when Bolles was drafted by the Broncos. Laughing, Kingston caught the football and dashed away from his dad, navigating between other Pro Bowlers on the field.
“It’s fantastic to have my children and my wife here,” Bolles expressed. “Watching Kingston enjoy himself while mingling with the other players is heartwarming. Everyone is kind to him; he recognizes players like ‘Oh, that’s Jonathan Taylor from the Colts.’ He knows all the names and numbers. It’s fun for him to appreciate what Daddy does and share these moments together. He will cherish this for life.”
