Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, both 40+, are set to make rare NFL history in a Steelers-Bengals showdown that’s drawing comparisons to the iconic Brady-Brees duels.
Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco set for NFL's next Brady-Brees moment in Steelers-Bengals Clash originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco take the field on Thursday Night Football, the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengalswill mark a rare chapter in NFL history.
Both quarterbacks are at least 40 years old, Rodgers at 41 and Flacco at 40, making this only the third time in league history that two signal-callers over 40 have faced each other.
The only previous meetings came in 2020 when Tom Brady and Drew Brees went head-to-head twice. If Rodgers and Flacco stay healthy, fans might witness another memorable late-career rivalry similar to those legendary duels.
In his Bengals debut last week, Flacco threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns while completing 64 percent of his passes in a 27–18 loss to Green Bay.
Despite the result, he impressed in his first start since joining Cincinnati, setting up a compelling showdown against Rodgers and the surging Steelers defense.
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Tomlin shocked by Browns’ trade that sent Flacco to Bengals
As Pittsburgh prepares for its Week 7 clash with Cincinnati, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t hold back when asked about Cleveland’s decision to trade Flacco within the division.
“To be honest, it was shocking to me,” Tomlin said. “Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us. Because it doesn’t make sense to me to trade a quarterback that you think enough of to make your opening day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area. But that’s just my personal feelings.”
Tomlin later clarified that he had no issue with the Bengals making the move. “It certainly made sense from Cincinnati’s perspective,” he added.
Cleveland dealt Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round selection, a rare in-season swap between AFC North rivals.
The Bengals made the move after backup Jake Browning dropped three straight games while filling in for the injured Joe Burrow.
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Flacco’s history against Pittsburgh adds another layer to Thursday’s matchup. He holds a 12–13 career record versus the Steelers, including playoff games, and even helped lead the Indianapolis Colts to a win over Pittsburgh last season when he stepped in for Anthony Richardson.
Tomlin’s comments and the unusual trade have only intensified the rivalry ahead of a historic night where two veteran quarterbacks, both 40 or older, are set to rewrite the NFL record books once again
Category: Football
