Why Marquez Valdes-Scantling Picked the 49ers Over Reuniting with Aaron Rodgers
MVS spent four seasons with Rodgers on the Packers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has confirmed prior reports that he could have signed with either the Steelers or the 49ers after he didn't make the Seahawks' initial 53-man roster. The 30-year-old wideout ultimately chose to join the 49ers' practice squad instead of going to Pittsburgh, where he would have reunited with his former Packers teammate, Aaron Rodgers.
Valdes-Scantling said his decision to go to San Francisco wasn't personal. It was just business.
"Obviously, I have a good relationship with Aaron Rodgers over there, and he wanted me back over there," Valdes-Scantling said. "So, it was a toss-up, 50/50. I had to weigh my options and see which one I wanted to do, which was going to be better for my career at this point, and I was excited about it."
Specifically, the 49ers' offensive system and current situation at receiver outweighed the opportunity to reunite with Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
While the Steelers' receiving corps is currently healthy, the 49ers are going to start the regular season without top wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who is still working his way back from last year's season-ending knee injury. Additionally, fellow starting wideout Jauan Jennings is also dealing with an injury and has recently requested a trade. Given these situations, there's certainly a chance that Valdes-Scantling could get elevated to the 49ers' active roster sooner rather than later.
"Being able to get onto the field right away, obviously, that's the goal," Valdes-Scantling said. "And so, being able to jump-start that process of learning the system, it betters the chances of you being on the field."
Valdes-Scantling also said that not having to learn a new system was a significant reason why he chose San Francisco over Pittsburgh. The 49ers' offense, led by offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, is very similar to Seattle OC Klint Kubiak's offense.
An eight-year veteran, Valdes-Scantling has had a productive NFL career up to this point. In 2020, he led the NFL in yards per reception while helping Rodgers win his third MVP award. He helped Rodgers win his fourth and most MVP a year later before winning back-to-back Super Bowls in Kansas City while catching passes from three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Valdes-Scantling will now look to add to his list of accomplishments in San Francisco.
"I don't take anything for granted," Valdes-Scantling said in a 2023 interview with CBS Sports. "With football, we've been doing this thing for so long. I know I have been playing since I was a little kid. So it's no different no matter what the stage is. I don't look at it any different. … I look at all those games the same, never get too high, never get too low.
"I think that's kind of been my motto with life, and that's kind of how I've stayed even keel. … One of my college coaches told me this saying and it's kind of stuck with me: 'It's never as good as it is and it's never as bad as it seems.' That's just how I've always kind of operated my life it's kind of helped me out to be where I'm at now."
Joe Flacco’s Heartwarming Decision: Adopting an Orphaned Child from the Texas Hill Country Floods
In an inspiring story that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has made a decision that shows the true measure of a man’s character. Known for his calm demeanor on the field and his leadership in the locker room, Flacco’s recent life-changing act of kindness has made headlines for all the right reasons, proving that his legacy goes far beyond football.
In early July, Texas Hill Country was ravaged by devastating floods that left families broken and communities shaken. Among the victims was a 6-year-old girl who tragically lost both of her parents in the disaster. While the world focused on rescue efforts, few could have predicted that Joe Flacco, one of the NFL’s most respected veterans, would take a bold step to offer this young girl a brighter future.
Joe Flacco: A True Leader Both On and Off the Field
Joe Flacco, the veteran quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is known for his steady hand and leadership in high-pressure situations on the field. With a Super Bowl MVP under his belt and a legacy built on consistency, Flacco’s career has been defined by his ability to handle adversity with grace. But it’s his recent decision to adopt an orphaned child that has solidified his place as a hero not only to his team but to millions across the world.
After hearing about the devastating floods and the young girl left without family, Flacco knew that he had to take action. In an emotional conversation with his wife, Flacco made the decision to travel to Texas, meet the child, and start the adoption process, offering her a home filled with love, stability, and hope.
A Life-Changing Meeting
When Joe Flacco met the young girl, it was a moment of profound connection that neither of them would ever forget. Despite the heartbreak she had endured, the little girl’s strength and resilience left a lasting impression on Flacco and his family. It was in that moment that Flacco knew he was making the right decision—offering a child, who had already faced so much loss, the opportunity to grow up in a loving and supportive family environment.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to live a life filled with love and support, and I know how much it can change a person,” Flacco shared in a statement. “This young girl has been through more than anyone should have to endure, but she deserves a chance—she deserves a future. My wife and I felt compelled to give her that.”
With the support of his wife, Flacco worked quickly to ensure that the adoption process was handled with care, compassion, and diligence. Their goal was simple: to provide this young girl with the family she deserved, no matter the obstacles they had to overcome.
A Hero Beyond the Game
News of Joe Flacco’s adoption decision quickly spread across the sports world and beyond, garnering praise from fans, fellow athletes, and those who have watched his career for years. While Flacco is a two-time NFL playoff hero and Super Bowl champion, this act of kindness has resonated with many as one of the most meaningful moments of his life and career.
“Joe Flacco’s decision to adopt is a shining example of what it means to be a leader,” said sports commentator Mike Thompson. “He’s shown us that true greatness doesn’t come from winning trophies—it comes from using your position to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The decision to adopt a child in need has made Joe Flacco a hero not just in Cleveland, but across the nation. His choice to prioritize love and family over everything else is a powerful reminder of what really matters in life: compassion, connection, and making the world a better place for those who need it most.
A New Chapter for Flacco and His Family
For Joe Flacco, this adoption marks a new chapter in his life. The quarterback, who has seen his fair share of highs and lows in his NFL career, now faces the ultimate challenge: being a father to a young girl who has lost so much. With the unwavering support of his wife and family, Flacco is ready to take on this new role with the same dedication and passion that he has shown throughout his career.
“Becoming a father is the greatest responsibility I’ve ever taken on,” Flacco said. “But I’m also excited about it. This child deserves to have a life full of love, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure she gets that. I want to be the father that she can count on, always.”
As Joe Flacco embarks on this new journey, he has shown the world that his legacy goes far beyond football. His decision to adopt an orphaned child is a testament to his character and a reminder that the most important victories in life are those that happen off the field.
