Bengals QB achieves career milestone in historic season
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco was named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games on Friday, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his 18-year NFL career. The 41-year-old was added to the AFC roster as an alternate ahead of the Pro Bowl competition scheduled for February 3, 2026, in San Francisco.
Flacco’s path to the Pro Bowl this season was unconventional. He began the 2025 campaign as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns but was benched after four games in favor of Dillon Gabriel. On October 7, the Bengals acquired him in a trade, needing immediate help after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury.
Crucial mid-season contributions
Starting six games for Cincinnati, Flacco completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Combined with his four starts for Cleveland, the veteran threw for approximately 2,579 yards and 15 touchdowns across 13 total games.
“It’s the first time in Flacco’s 18-year career that he has been named a Pro Bowler,” the team announced Friday. The honor stands as a remarkable achievement for a quarterback who had never received the Pro Bowl selection despite years of productive play with the Baltimore Ravens, where he started 163 games from 2008 to 2018.
Unique circumstances drive selection
Flacco’s Pro Bowl addition came amid significant injuries across the AFC quarterback position. Originally selected AFC starters Josh Allen, Drake Maye and Justin Herbert faced complications: Allen underwent foot surgery, Maye is unavailable as the New England Patriots prepare for Super Bowl LX, and Herbert played through a fractured hand. Additional injuries affected Patrick Mahomes (torn ACL), Bo Nix (broken ankle) and Daniel Jones (torn Achilles).
The Pro Bowl milestone caps a remarkable year for the veteran. His career accolades now include a Super Bowl XLVII MVP award from his time with the Ravens and a 2023 Comeback Player of the Year honor. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has indicated openness to retaining Flacco in 2026, though the quarterback has expressed interest in pursuing a starting role elsewhere as a free agent.
Looking ahead
Flacco joins Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as the latest additions to the 2026 Pro Bowl roster, which will feature flag football competition at the Moscone Center in San Francisco during Super Bowl week.
