On Tuesday, the Ottawa Redblacks added American quarterback Tom Flacco to their roster, the team’s second signing at the position in just a few weeks (first being Devlin Hodges). 

Flacco, a New Jersey native, spent most of his collegiate career at Towson, but had previously played for Western Michigan and Rutgers. Flacco was not selected in the 2020 NFL draft, and although he had a workout with the Arizona Cardinals, the team didn’t offer him a contract.

In January 2021, Flacco signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but was cut at the end of training camp. Now, he will get his next opportunity in the Canadian capital. Flacco was likely added for nothing more than depth, but since he already has some CFL experience, the rookie signal-caller can continue to develop his skills. 

The last name Flacco should be a familiar one for most football fans. Tom’s brother, Joe, was selected 18th overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He spent 11 years with the team, highlighted by a Super Bowl XLVII win to conclude the 2012 season. After stints with the Denver Broncos (2019) and New York Jets (2020), the older Flacco is currently a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.