Shedeur Sanders Expresses Regret and Gratitude Over Joe Flacco’s Trade to Bengals, Reflects on Their Mentorship and Shared Experiences
Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, has expressed his regret and disappointment upon hearing the news of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco, who has been a valuable mentor to Sanders, was dealt in a move that took many by surprise, and Sanders was quick to share his feelings on the trade.
“I have a lot of respect for Joe. He’s been a huge influence on me, not just as a player, but as a leader and a mentor,” Sanders said in a recent interview. “It’s definitely tough to see him go, but that’s part of the business. I’m grateful for everything he taught me and the guidance he provided during our time together.”
Flacco, a Super Bowl champion and seasoned veteran, had been a steady presence in the locker room, offering advice and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game. Sanders, who has quickly emerged as one of college football’s top quarterbacks, has leaned on Flacco’s experience in his own development.
“It’s always hard to see someone who’s been such a positive influence leave,” Sanders continued. “But I’ve learned a lot from Joe, and I’ll carry those lessons with me as I continue to grow. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I know Joe will continue to do great things in Cincinnati.”
While Sanders will miss Flacco’s mentorship, he remains focused on his own path and growth as a quarterback. The trade marks the end of one chapter, but it also signals the beginning of new opportunities for both Flacco and Sanders as they move forward in their respective careers.
Joe Burrow’s Message to Joe Flacco Resurfaces After Bengals Trade
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, sending a 2026 fifth‑round pick to Cleveland while receiving Flacco and a sixth‑round pick in return.
Flacco started Cleveland’s first four games before being benched for rookie Dillon Gabriel; his Browns totals through four starts were 93-of-160 passing (58.1%), 815 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs and a 60.3 passer rating.
Flacco opened the year by starting against Cincinnati on Sept. 7, completing 31-of-45 for 290 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 17–16 Browns loss.
After the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was seen congratulating Flacco, saying, “Good job, man. Looking forward to watching you this year.”
That clip has now resurfaced after the trade, creating an ironic postscript as Burrow recovers in Cincinnati.
Burrow suffered a Grade‑3 turf‑toe in Week 2 and underwent surgery; the Bengals have said he will miss at least three months, with an earliest realistic return projected in mid‑December at best.
Cincinnati opened 2–0 but slid to 2–3 amid three straight losses while Burrow rehabs. Backup Jake Browning started in Burrow’s absence and produced mixed results (757 passing yards, six touchdowns and eight INTs over four appearances).
Despite Bengals coach Zac Taylor publicly backing Browning, Cincinnati’s front office ultimately sought an experienced, quick‑study veteran who could stabilize an offense built around elite receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins until Burrow returns.
Flacco’s pocket presence and field‑stretching ability made him an attractive short‑term fit.
Reports indicate the Bengals hope Flacco can start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, giving Cincinnati a veteran who already scouted the Packers this year; Flacco started for the Browns when they defeated the Packers 13-10 in Week 3 (Flacco completed 21-of-36 passes for 142 yards and one interception).
