Feb. 10, 2026, 10:55 a.m. ET
Former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. had a unique perspective on quarterback Joe Flacco, having played with him in Baltimore early in his career and again during the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. And according to Brown, the way players react to Flacco today is completely different from the way they reacted when he first entered the league. Speaking on The Ryan Ripken Show, Brown said Flacco now carries a level of star power and respect that even surprised him when he walked into the Bengals locker room.
“He’s got way more superstar notoriety today than he did then… when he came into our locker room… I couldn’t believe guy, like, Jamar Chase’s reaction… Everybody was a Flacco fan, man”
Even years into his career, Flacco continues to earn respect from teammates and opponents alike. For Brown, seeing that admiration firsthand showed just how much Flacco’s talent and leadership have grown over time.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.