Joe Flacco is in the midst of a whirlwind season, from unexpectedly being handed the starting quarterback job to leading the Ravens' improbable run to the playoffs.
But the stoic 23-year-old rookie from the University of Delaware is approaching the biggest game of his brief NFL career with a matter-of-fact shoulder shrug. "It's just another game," he deadpanned.
Flacco's calm demeanor, which has been as much an asset as his strong arm in the Ravens' remarkable turnaround season, will be tested today against the Miami Dolphins. He will become just the eighth rookie quarterback since 1970 to start a postseason game.
Those around him don't expect the magnitude of the NFL playoffs to faze him.
Flacco is one of the Ravens' most laid-back players. Walking around the team's facility, the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder looks half asleep (he acknowledges that he isn't a morning person). Speaking to the media, he is equally unemotional, talking in a sort of monotone.
"That's just Joe," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. Or "Joe Cool," a nickname that is catching on with teammates and fans.
Joe Cool stays grounded.
His biggest splurge after signing his five-year, $30 million contract was a lawn mower for his mother. He lives in an apartment with his 21-year-old brother, Mike, and still hasn't bought a car. He drives a BMW dealer's loaner, with a "This is a courtesy car" sign in the back window.
Joe Cool works hard.
Flacco's philosophy is that you're never nervous if you're prepared. Determined to show that a quarterback from a small college program can play big, he is always at Ravens headquarters on his one day off during the week, watching four to five hours of tape for the next opponent. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has joked that it's a challenge to keep finding more film for Flacco.
Joe Cool wants to be a starting quarterback, not a star quarterback.
His big night on the town is having dinner with his offensive linemen at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or T.G.I. Friday's. This isn't exactly the same as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo dating music star Jessica Simpson.
"He's a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he's the same person that he's always been," said Rob Agnone, a college friend and teammate who still talks to him once a week. "That's what separates him from other people. He's in a glamorous position, but it doesn't go to his head."
On most evenings, Flacco falls asleep on the sofa while watching TV.
