Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has lost his starting job four games into the season, and the veteran quarterback shared his reaction to the tough news on Wednesday.
The Browns have benched Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel for Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings. When asked about head coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision, Flacco told reporters “it is what it is.”
“I think the tougher thing is just going through what we’ve gone through the last four weeks, not being able to produce the way we’ve wanted to,” Flacco said. “When you’re in the moment and you’re having conversations with people, it is what it is. You look people in the eye and tell them how it is, and that’s what it is.”
Flacco was also asked if he saw the change coming.
“I don’t think I foresaw it. Listen, I said it on Sunday, anytime you’re in this league, everybody’s always getting evaluated. The job of a quarterback is to help you win football games,” Flacco said. “I don’t know if I saw it coming, but me and Kevin have good conversations. It wasn’t like it was anything super long or drawn out like that, but it got to that point and I had a good conversation with him about it and it is what it is.”
Flacco had little competition for the starting job in training camp and the preseason. It was never realistic for Gabriel or fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders to begin the season as Cleveland’s starter, and the team traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders in August. Flacco had played well for the Browns and helped lead them to the playoffs in his previous stint with the team in 2023, which is part of the reason Stefanski gave him the first shot.
The results were not been, however. Flacco went just 16/34 for 184 yards, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions in Cleveland’s 34-10 Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions. The former Super Bowl MVP has just 2 touchdown passes compared to 6 interceptions on the season and threw for fewer than 200 yards in three of his four starts. The Browns are 1-3.
Flacco probably is not thrilled that he has been benched, but there is no way he was surprised.
BREAKING NEWS: Brock Purdy’s Heartfelt $1 Million Donation Stuns Football World
In an unprecedented move that has taken the sports community by storm, San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy has shocked the world with an incredible act of generosity. Purdy, known for his dominant presence on the field, has made a staggering $1 million donation to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a remarkable Mexican ethnic minority woman who embarked on a grueling 14-hour journey from her small mountain village to compete in the 2025 Canyon Ultra Marathon.
Ramos, a mother and passionate long-distance runner, had always dreamed of participating in one of the most challenging marathons in the world. But despite her dedication, the road to the Canyon Ultra Marathon was not paved with opportunities. The 14-hour walk from her home in a remote town was a testament to her perseverance and grit, but it also highlighted the struggles faced by many aspiring athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
In an emotional moment that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it, Purdy wrote a heartfelt letter to Ms. Ramos, expressing his admiration for her courage and determination. The letter, filled with sincerity, conveyed not just financial support, but a deep understanding of the hardships she had faced.
In his letter, Purdy wrote: “I’ve seen the way you fight, the way you overcome challenges, and the heart you put into everything you do. I’m not just giving money, I’m giving you a chance to be seen and heard. You inspire me.”
The gesture left Ramos overwhelmed with emotion. In a tearful response, she shared her gratitude, saying, “No one has ever treated me like this. This is more than just money; it’s a belief in me, a belief that I can achieve my dreams.”
Ramos had been training for years, sacrificing much to pursue her passion for running. Despite financial constraints, she never gave up, believing that the Canyon Ultra Marathon was within her reach. Purdy’s unexpected donation has not only alleviated her financial burdens but has also ignited a sense of hope in her and countless others who dream of overcoming their own challenges.
For many, Purdy’s donation goes beyond just a financial contribution. It’s a statement about the power of sports to unite people from all walks of life, transcending borders, backgrounds, and financial disparities. It’s a reminder that true athletes, whether on the field or in life, understand that the real victories come from lifting others up.
The 49ers fanbase, known for its passionate following, has rallied behind Purdy’s generosity, praising him for his humility and compassion. His donation is a reminder of the positive influence that athletes can have both on and off the field, using their platform for good.
Ramos, who will now have the financial support to pursue her athletic dreams without the worry of financial instability, will be competing in the Canyon Ultra Marathon as a symbol of resilience. Her journey, coupled with Purdy’s kindness, has inspired countless fans, proving that acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact.
In a world where headlines often focus on scandals or controversies, Purdy’s gesture has offered a refreshing change—a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy still hold immense value. This incredible act of generosity is set to resonate within the football world for years to come, leaving a legacy of compassion and humanity that far exceeds any tackle or touchdown.
