NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Joe Flacco Incident
Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals dropped to 3-7 after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-12 in Week 11. The 40-year-old quarterback had one of his worst games since being traded to the Bengals.
He finished the game, completing 23-of-40 passes for 199 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and a 68.6 passer rating. He was also sacked once for a loss of seven yards.
On a third-and-8 play with 12:47 left in the second quarter, Flacco threw an incomplete pass to tight end Tanner Hudson. However, instead of Cincinnati facing a fourth down, Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was flagged for roughing the passer.
The 15-yard penalty wound up not having too much of an effect on the game, as the Bengals punted by the end of the drive.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16).Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, the flag meant that Watt could receive punishment from the NFL. According to the league's rules guidelines, players can be fined $17,389 for roughing the passer and $23,186 for a second offense in the same season.
On Saturday, the NFL announced its Week 11 fines, handing a total of 23, which accounted for 0.97% of the plays. Watt was not on the list, though, meaning he avoided punishment for his hit on Flacco.
The only player on the Steelers who got fined was cornerback Jalen Ramsey ($14,491) for his scuffle with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
According to Spotrac, since joining the league in 2017, Watt has been fined twice for rushing the passer. One came in 2023 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and another in 2018 against the Atlanta Falcons.
After avoiding this punishment, Watt and the Steelers traveled to Soldier Field for a Week 12 matchup against the 7-3 Chicago Bears.
As for the recipient of his hit, Flacco is looking to end the Bengals' three-game losing streak, going up against the 9-2 New England Patriots at home.
BREAKING: Steelers Legend — Who Once Powered Pittsburgh’s Offense Through Its Iconic Super Bowl Victories — Diagnosed with Early-Onset Dementia at 76. Can No Longer Speak and Struggles with Memory. Family Says He Only Remembers His Daughter’s Name — And That He Once Played for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh, PA — A devastating update has come to light for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, as legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who led the team to four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 76. Known for his rocket arm, leadership, and clutch performances in the biggest moments, Bradshaw is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and a cornerstone of the Steelers’ dynasty.
According to family members, Bradshaw, once the face of the Steelers and the NFL, can no longer speak and has lost much of his memory. He struggles with basic cognitive functions and has only been able to remember his daughter’s name and the fact that he once played for Pittsburgh. His incredible football legacy now seems a distant memory as he faces the challenging reality of this devastating condition.
“It’s incredibly difficult for our family,” said a close family member. “Terry was always the life of the party, the one who lifted everyone’s spirits. Seeing him struggle to communicate and remember things, it’s hard to take in. But we are grateful for the moments he still remembers, and we will continue to support him every step of the way.”
As a player who brought the Steelers four Super Bowl titles and forever changed the landscape of the franchise, this diagnosis has sent shockwaves throughout Pittsburgh. His leadership, both on and off the field, was key to the Steelers’ success in the 1970s, and his memory remains an integral part of the team’s identity.
Fans have rallied together, reflecting on Bradshaw’s unforgettable moments, from his iconic Super Bowl victories to his role in creating the Steel Curtain dynasty. The news has also brought a renewed focus on dementia and its effects on former athletes, with Bradshaw’s family advocating for more research and support for those facing similar challenges.
This sobering news serves as a reminder of the physical and mental toll that football takes on its players, even after they retire from the game. As Terry Bradshaw confronts this difficult journey, the entire Pittsburgh community stands with him, offering their unwavering support and admiration.
Messages of love and encouragement have flooded social media, with fans expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the Steelers’ legacy. “You’ll always be our hero, Terry. We’re with you through this,” one fan shared on Twitter.
Though his future may be uncertain, the legacy of Terry Bradshaw — his four Super Bowls, his leadership, and his unforgettable place in Steelers history — will live on forever in the hearts of Pittsburgh fans.
