CINCINNATI A historic quarterback showdown is set as Joe Flacco of the Bengals faces Aaron Rodgers of the Steelers this Thursday. This clash marks only the second time two quarterbacks over the age of 40 will start against each other in the Super Bowl era, the first being the encounters between Drew Brees and Tom Brady in 2020.
Historic QB Showdown: Flacco vs. Rodgers
At 40, Flacco will be the younger of the two quarterbacks. Rodgers, at 41, has made headlines since joining the Steelers after a challenging stint with the Jets.
Career Paths of Flacco and Rodgers
Joe Flacco, who started his career at the University of Delaware, joined the NFL with high hopes. He previously aimed for a 15year career in the league, which he achieved three years ago. His journey has seen him recently play for the Cleveland Browns before transitioning to the Bengals to fill in for the injured Joe Burrow.
Rodgers, on the other hand, had a successful 18year tenure with the Green Bay Packers. After a significant Achilles injury in 2023, he struggled but managed to secure a victory in his debut with the Steelers, winning 3432 against his former team.
Players’ Quotes and Strategies
- Flacco reflects: “Football’s important to you.”
- Rodgers noted his need to prove doubters wrong, stating: “It was nice to remind those people that I still can.”
Both players share a common trait of being Super Bowl MVPs and possessing strong throwing arms, which Bengals coach Zac Taylor believes contributes to their longevity. They have each adopted unique recovery methods to extend their careers. Flacco emphasizes routine massages, while Rodgers incorporates specialized bodywork.
Statistics and Records
Recent analyses show that since the new millennium, ten quarterbacks have played at least five games as 40yearolds. Matt Hasselbeck, a notable example, successfully started eight games in 2015 with the Colts.
Current Team Status
As the Bengals (24) struggle with Burrow’s injury, Flacco hopes to stabilize the team. Conversely, Rodgers has led the Steelers to a commendable 41 start, showing remarkable resilience.
Looking Ahead
Flacco is no longer setting longterm goals for his career. Instead, he is focused on making the most of each season, stating, “I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror.” Both quarterbacks are a testament to the potential of aging athletes, demonstrating that performance can endure well into their 40s.