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Joe Flacco Inducted To University of Delaware Athletic Hall of Fame

By Jason Belschner

Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws the ball in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws the ball in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Flacco gets honored by his Alma mater:

On September 29th, the University of Delaware announced their 2016 Athletics Hall of Fame class. Joe Flacco was one of the former Blue Hens to receive the honor The Baltimore Ravens drafted Joe Flacco, who led the Blue Hens in 2006 and 2007, in 2008. Flacco became the first and only football player in Delaware’s history drafted in the first round.

Flacco played football at Audubon High School where he was recruited by the University of Pittsburgh among other schools. He chose Pitt to play for quarter back guru Walt Harris. After red-shirting his freshman season, Flacco backed up Tyler Palko. When acclaimed team killer Dave Wannstedt replaced Harris as Pitt’s coach, Flacco transferred to the University of Delaware.

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When Flacco transferred to Delaware he was taking a risk.  FCS schools are not exactly the hotbed of NFL talent. A few scattered players achieve the next level, but they need to stand out for the NFL to notice. Flacco made teams notice during his senior season in 2007.

Already possessing the physical tools of classic quarterback (6’6” and a cannon arm), Flacco took control of the team. He set 20 school records in the process. Flacco led the Fighting Blue Hens to the FCS championship against the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Although they lost the championship, Flacco played at such a high level, the NFL took notice. He set the school record by throwing 4,263 yards; he also threw 25 touchdown passes with only 5 interceptions on 521 attempts.

Since the Ravens drafted him with the 18th overall pick in 2008, Flacco proved his worth as a franchise quarterback. He led the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs as a rookie. Over the years, he won more road games than any other quarter backs in history. Flacco might not be the best in the league, but he is solid, dependable, and tough enough to last in the AFC North.

Entering the University of Delaware Athletic Hall of Fame adds another accolade to an underrated career. Flacco solidified the quarterback position for the first time in the Ravens’ short history. Prior to Flacco, 15 different quarterbacks started for Baltimore from 1996-2007. From 2008 on, Flacco started every game up until his injury last season.

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Transferring paid off for Joe Flacco as he became a big fish in small pond. He parlayed it into an NFL career, Super Bowl victory, and a healthy career. His induction into the UD’s Athletic Hall of Fame gives the quarterback a small slice of respect that he deserves.

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