One year ago, I tweeted: “Joe Flacco should be in the @Ravens ring of honor, but most of you aren’t ready for that conversation.”
Judging by the 95,000-plus interactions that tweet received, it seemed to hit a nerve.
In the 12 years preceding Flacco, the Ravens had seven different passing leaders and four trips to the playoffs. During Flacco’s 11 years in Baltimore, he led the team in passing every year and helped them make the postseason seven times.
Flacco started the 2008 campaign when he wasn’t expected to. Because of a Kyle Boller injury and Troy Smith’s illness, the rookie was forced into action. After a rough start where he threw 1 touchdown and 7 interceptions, Flacco settled in and finished the final 11 games by throwing 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Baltimore was a Troy Polamalu pick-six away from the Super Bowl that year.
Flacco would go on to start all 178 games he played for the Ravens and compile a win/loss record of 106-72 (.596 win pct., playoffs included). His 2012 playoff run was particularly impressive, as he threw for 285 yards per game, 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions—3 of those 4 games being on the road.
He provided them with unprecedented stability at the quarterback position, and of course, their second Super Bowl championship. He holds many major team records, including most completions, passing attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns, longest pass play and consecutive starts.
Not only did Flacco help the Ravens win a world title, he was consistently a leader on and off the field, and embodied the criteria that the Ravens Ring of Honor inductees have displayed: character, gratitude, vision, passion, faith & courage, competitive spirit and humility.
The current Ravens Ring of Honor consists of 19 members—8 from the Baltimore Colts and 11 from the Ravens. They haven’t inducted an offensive player since 2014 (Todd Heap) or a quarterback since Johnny Unitas (2002). One could make the case that Flacco is on the short list to be the 20th inductee.
To me, the question that should determine a player’s election to the Ring of Honor is: Did this person personify exceptional performance on the field and exceptional dedication off the field while a member of the organization?
A common refrain from those that object to this is that Flacco’s success is more attributable to the players around him than his own talent. Or—this is the best one— “He only threw for 4,000 yards in a season once!”
Who cares?! He wins. That’s the whole point.
Flacco critics will also usually mention his lack of demonstrative facial expressions to infer he didn’t care as much as he should’ve. Explain to me, though, how a player who plays the most important position in sports being calm in the most pressure-filled situations is a bad thing. How does that make sense?
If you don’t like his playing style or you think he doesn’t deserve to make the Ring of Honor, that’s fine. Just don’t say others were the main reason he excelled, when A) Every Ring of Honor member has been helped by others, and B) he was the main reason the team won every game in the 2012 postseason, including Super Bowl XLVII.
At the end of the day, Flacco exuded the core traits of a Raven: toughness, durability, passion for the game and fearlessness. He gave us numerous memories in big-time games, and if not for a Lee Evans drop and Billy Cundiff missed field goal, could be a 2-time Super Bowl winner. You know it and I know it.
Clearly, I think Flacco has done enough to be inducted, as do many others. Yet, I feel we’re in the minority.
What about you? What’s your take? Discuss here on the BSL Board.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.