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Jack Welch
Retired and sitting at home on the couch, Joe Flacco got a call to be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in week twelve of the season. He quickly became one of the best stories in professional football. He came on board after week twelve and led the Browns to the playoffs.
Just think about it, one day Flacco was home in southern New Jersey enjoying semi-retirement, watching NFL games on TV. He would occasionally throw balls around in the front yard with his four boys, then suddenly he gets a call from the Browns. At the age of 38-years old, he got in his car and reported to the Browns and the rest is history. After a brief workout it was obvious, he still had what it took to lead the Browns the rest of the season.
Flacco’s magical performance was the talk of the NFL. He led the Browns to wins in four of his five starts in December. His performances were magical. He was a hero, and his play was more like a young, energized rookie than a 38-year-old unemployed quarterback.
When starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was injured and could not play, it seemed like the Browns season was over. Flacco, having already won a Super Bowl, arrived in Cleveland as a last-ditch effort to save the season. He not only saved the season, but his performance was stellar. He performed like an All-Pro.
What will happen in the future for Flacco? Will the Browns ask him to stay on? The future is Deshaun Watson, and he should be healthy for next season. Would it be valuable to keep a 39-year-old 16-year veteran quarterback on the roster for insurance?
It is not unusual for a veteran quarterback to make a comeback after retirement and excel. You might remember Brett Favre. He initially retired from football in 2008. He was convinced to come out of retirement and play for the Vikings in 2009. Not only did he excel, but he also led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game that year. After the legendary quarterback had a stellar season, he again announced his retirement. However, once again he came out of retirement to play for the Vikings in 2010.
How about the great George Blanda. His career extended from 1949 to 1975. At age 43, he became the oldest quarterback to ever play in a championship game. He stepped in for an injured Raider quarterback Daryle Lamonica. He completed 17 of 32 passes for 217 yards and he also kicked a 48-yard field goal. He played his last game at the age of 48 in the 1975 AFC Championship Game at Pittsburg. In that game, he was the Raiders kicker. He made a 41-yard field goal and one extra point. The Raiders lost to the Steelers 16-10.
Many experts still believe Tom Brady could return and excel today. He returned to the NFL for the 2022-23 season. Although he was the oldest active NFL player, he performed relatively well. He had personal issues with his marriage, which ended in splitting up. The marriage issues were a distraction. Without question, he was still in shape and able to perform at a high level.
Do not count us old guys out. We might still have enough mustard in the jar to make a sandwich.
Thought for the week: “And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln
Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.