Joe Flacco: We signed up to get hurt, guys in my generation benefit from having that mindset

Joe Flacco, the former Super Bowl MVP and longtime NFL quarterback, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the league's rules concerning player health and safety, specifically regarding quarterbacks. In an interview with ESPN's Kevin Clark, Flacco, 41, reminisced about his early days in the league when he felt players were more "battle tested." He criticized modern rules that penalize defenders for actions like landing on quarterbacks or slapping their helmets, arguing these rules negatively impact the game by introducing inconsistent penalties that can alter game outcomes. Flacco also defended defensive players who face increased challenges due to penalties for standard hits. He acknowledged the importance of concerns like CTE but emphasized that players understand the risks when they choose to play football. Flacco's comments highlight the ongoing debate about balancing player safety with maintaining the physical nature of the sport.