If someone had predicted a month ago that Joe Flacco, at the age of 40, would help the Cincinnati Bengals cope with Joe Burrow”s absence, they would likely have been met with disbelief. Prior to his move to Cincinnati, the seasoned quarterback appeared to be at the end of his career in Cleveland, where he threw six interceptions in just four games, recorded the lowest passer rating in the league at 60.3, and was benched for a rookie.
However, everything changed with his trade to Cincinnati. What many viewed as a desperate acquisition for a team missing Burrow has transformed into one of the most astonishing comebacks of the season. Since joining the Bengals, Flacco has redefined his game, leading the offense with remarkable skill and flair. In his last four games, he has thrown 11 touchdown passes, which ranks him among the leaders in the league, and he is currently seventh in Total QBR.
Flacco”s standout performance occurred last Sunday against the Bears, where he amassed 470 passing yards and four touchdowns. This achievement made him the first 40-year-old in NFL history to surpass 450 passing yards and throw for four touchdowns in a single game. Notably, Flacco accomplished this despite playing through a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, which limited his practice time leading up to the game. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor remarked on Flacco”s dedication, stating, “He could barely lift his arm… But he told us, “I play football for a living. That”s what I do.””
On the latest episode of “Fitz & Whit,” Ryan Fitzpatrick recognized Flacco”s impressive comeback and proposed the establishment of the “Andy Dufresne Redemption Award.” This award draws inspiration from the character Andy Dufresne in “The Shawshank Redemption,” who famously escaped from wrongful imprisonment. Fitzpatrick explained, “The Shawshank Redemption, one of the best movies of all time… This is going to go to a player who”s outlasted all the doubters… crafted an escape from a team many would categorize as a prison this year… found the light at the end of the tunnel.” He humorously concluded, “The winner… Joe Flacco.”
Fitzpatrick elaborated on why Flacco is the deserving recipient of the award. “He escaped from prison this year,” he joked, likening Flacco”s transition from the Browns to the Bengals to Andy”s escape from Shawshank Prison. “He had the worst passer rating in the NFL… and all of a sudden he”s gone to Cincinnati—it”s a tailor-made, perfect fit for him: big arm, throw it outside the numbers, take advantage of these receivers,” he added.
Co-host Andrew Whitworth echoed Fitzpatrick”s sentiments, describing Flacco”s performance as “insane” and commending his leadership even while injured. “Even in postgame, the way he handled it, the way he challenged the team to keep fighting… You can just tell that whole place needs it right now.” For Fitzpatrick, however, it was Flacco”s determination to keep fighting against adversity that truly impressed him. “He had the hurt AC joint in his right shoulder—can”t hold him down. Nothing can hold this guy down, because this is the season of redemption for him.”
Ultimately, the name of the award reflects Flacco”s journey. Like Andy Dufresne, Flacco”s story with the Bengals has been one of resilience, liberation, and quiet strength. He has transitioned from being a player many considered disposable to rewriting his narrative in the same orange and black uniform. After enduring years of jokes regarding his “elite” status, Flacco might finally be in a position to enjoy a well-deserved moment of triumph, potentially earning the inaugural Andy Dufresne Redemption Award.
