Featured Member

Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco Selected 18th overall in the 2008 NFL DRAFT.

Matt Ryan, Chad Henne, Brian Brohm, Colt Brennan, Andre Woodson, Matt Flynn, John David Booty.

All of those quarterbacks were selected in this year's NFL Draft, having their names thrown around with Joe Flacco's in the buildup leading to draft day. With the exception of Ryan, all were selected after Flacco at No. 18, but all had one advantage Flacco did not encounter until late in his collegiate career.

The players from Football Bowl Subdivision programs such as Boston College, Hawaii, Kentucky, Southern California and LSU were exposed to media coverage throughout their careers. Flacco received limited national coverage during the Hens' playoff run, but did not get the coverage his abilities warranted until the NFL offseason.

Brian Martin, the quarterback's personal trainer at TEST Sports Clubs, the facility Flacco trains at in New Jersey, said the attention came strongly onto the then-NFL prospect.

"I think a lot of it started back in January-ish when [Flacco] started getting a lot of ESPN hype," Martin said. "When he was at our facility, ESPN, NFL Network, various papers were here. Nationally, people started to recognize his talent and ability."

His ability to deal with the throngs of press and fans that inevitably will increase as he continues his career will be an important factor in Flacco's growth.

"I don't know if I'm completely used to it yet," Flacco said. "I'm just kind of sitting back and it is still awkward sometimes to see myself on television. My family gets really excited over it and it has been a lot of fun. It's been awesome."

One week prior to the draft Flacco said, "This is the last normal week of my life."

Little did he realize the truth in that statement.

Former Delaware and NFL quarterback Scott Brunner has followed Flacco's progress and worked with him to prepare for his professional career. Brunner said Flacco is more than ready to deal with the media blitz he will face once the 2008 season starts.

"Joe has the kind of personality that he'll be able to handle it,"

Brunner said. "I don't think he'll be so much in the national spotlight right now. Every city has a No. 1 draft pick and every city focuses on their No. 1 guy.

"Until the season starts, you don't really feel the full force of the pressure."

Flacco has been advertised as calm and confident. Most scouts believe one of his best traits will be his ability to perform under pressure.

He has shown he can handle the media with poise and said he does not get rattled.

In an interview with NFL.com, Flacco showed wit and sharpness. When asked which actor he thought would be best fit to play him in a movie of his life, Flacco said, "Who cares? The important part is who plays my love interest."

Martin echoed the sentiments of many scouts when asked about his client's ability to handle pressure.

"Of all the guys we've ever worked with, he is the most prepared for it," Martin said. "He's very unique in that he is kind of calm in the storm. He's also just a fierce competitor and wants to play football and doesn't let this stuff rattle him."

Martin said everyone around Flacco, including the Ravens organization, will help facilitate an easy transition for the rookie. According to Martin, there is a new rule which requires Flacco to return home after mini camps until his college graduation is complete, further helping him adjust to life in the NFL.

Flacco said he does not allow scouts and media get under his skin in regards to his abilities.

"I don't buy into their crap," he said. "I don't care. It's still fun to hear it. It's all a piece of being a part of this whole thing, part of it is being picked on. It's been a lot of fun to be picked apart, but like I said, I don't always agree with it."

Martin said he is sure Flacco will deal with his newfound fame in a tasteful way.

"He is calm, he has got a great family and he is humble and hungry,"

Martin said. "That's a great combination.