The 2026 NFL season is approaching quickly, featuring the presence of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. At 41, Flacco is now part of the Cincinnati Bengals, following a midseason trade in 2025. Before joining the Bengals, Flacco trained with the Cleveland Browns, contributing to one of the most intriguing quarterback situations in football.
The Browns Quarterback Room
During his time with the Browns, Flacco competed alongside Kenny Pickett and two promising rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco’s mission was clear: to guide the rookies in understanding the complexities of playing quarterback at the professional level.
The young quarterbacks expected Flacco to assist them in various aspects, like reading defenses, identifying blitzes, and mastering the playbook. However, Sanders likely didn’t foresee Flacco’s lesson on helmet visors.
The Visor Debate
In the Netflix series “Quarterback,” Flacco challenged Sanders on his decision to wear a helmet visor during practice. Sanders and Gabriel defended their choice, citing practicality and protection as key reasons for wearing visors. Flacco argued otherwise.
“If you wear a visor, it’s for looks,” Flacco said. “You think you look sweet. They all want visors. They’re just annoying. They’re gonna fog up.”
Flacco recounted his own experience, recalling that while he once wanted a visor, he realized they didn’t make sense. Flacco continued to express his viewpoint, noting, “You’re a quarterback, bro, you’re wearing a visor? You look like an idiot.” Despite Flacco’s reservations, Sanders opted to wear a visor during minicamp, though clearer than before.
Season Outlook
The Browns, featuring Sanders, face the Bears on August 15 in their preseason debut and the Jaguars on September 13 for their regular-season opener. Flacco and the Bengals will meet the Lions for their preseason, ultimately hosting Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 13.
One certainty remains: Flacco won’t be donning a visor in his games.
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