Joe Flacco and the 2026 NFL Season: A Journey with the Cincinnati Bengals

The 2026 NFL season is set to begin, and 41-year-old Joe Flacco is preparing for another year on the field. Now with the Cincinnati Bengals after a midseason trade in 2025, Flacco started the year with the Cleveland Browns. His tenure in Cleveland was significant, particularly in their quarterback room.

The Browns featured an intriguing mix of talent and potential. Alongside Flacco were Kenny Pickett and two promising rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco’s mission with the team was evident: to mentor these young quarterbacks, helping them navigate the complexities of playing in the NFL.

During a recent episode of Netflix’s “Quarterback,” Flacco offered Shedeur Sanders an unexpected lesson. It wasn’t about reading defenses or handling blitzes, but about helmet visors. Sanders’s use of a visor in practice led to a heated discussion.

Yeah, but if you wear a visor, it’s for looks, Flacco stated. “You think you look sweet. It’s that era. I don’t want my kids to wear visors either. They all want visors. I’m like, ‘Guys, they’re just annoying. They’re gonna fog up.’

Flacco, a veteran since 2008, voiced his strong opinion against quarterbacks wearing visors. He believed they were unnecessary and mostly for appearance. Despite his advice, Sanders continued wearing a visor, opting for a clearer style compared to last season.

The upcoming preseason matches will see the Browns facing the Chicago Bears on August 15, starting their regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13. Flacco and the Bengals will open their preseason against the Detroit Lions, followed by a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the same date, September 13.

Flacco will hit the field without a visor, holding firm on his longstanding view. His experience and advice remain a valuable asset to any team he joins.