Deion Sanders’ 7-Word Reaction to Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers Duel Goes Viral During TNF Clash

Deion Sanders shared a seven-word reaction to the Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers showdown, calling it the “Battle of the OG’s” as the veteran quarterbacks faced off in Thursday Night Football on October 16, 2025.

The Colorado Buffaloes head coach and father of Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders tuned in as his son’s AFC North rivals — the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers — clashed in one of the most unexpected quarterback duels of the season. Both Rodgers and Flacco, now in their 40s, turned back the clock in a high-stakes Week 7 matchup.

Deion Sanders Reacts to Flacco vs. Rodgers in Rare NFL Duel

Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most influential voices in football, was watching closely as Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers met in a divisional battle few expected in 2025. The Bengals quarterback, 40, began the season ahead of Sanders’ son on the Browns depth chart before losing the job to rookie Dillon Gabriel, which opened the door for Shedeur to become the backup in Cleveland.

On social media platform X, Sanders summed up the matchup in just seven words: “Battle of the OG’s ! Flacco vs Rogers.” He added, “This is good football,” highlighting the quality and competitiveness of the game. The duel marked only the second time in NFL history that both starting quarterbacks were 40 or older, earning the tongue-in-cheek nickname “Icy Hot Bowl” from Steelers star Cameron Heyward.

The last time such a veteran showdown occurred was in 2020, when Tom Brady and Drew Brees faced off three times. Their final meeting on January 17, 2021, set the record for the oldest combined age in a quarterback duel at 85 years and 172 days. Rodgers and Flacco’s combined age of 82 years and 228 days ranks second on that list.

Rodgers and Flacco Prove Age Is Just a Number

Despite their combined 82 years, both quarterbacks showed no signs of slowing down. As the game entered the fourth quarter, Cincinnati held a narrow 27-24 lead over Pittsburgh. Flacco delivered a vintage performance with three touchdown passes and no interceptions, while Rodgers matched him with three touchdown throws of his own, though he was picked off twice.

Flacco leaned heavily on star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who recorded 12 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The duel was more than just a nostalgic battle — it was a statement that experience and poise can still decide games in a league increasingly dominated by younger quarterbacks.

For Sanders, whose son is carving out his own path in the AFC North, the matchup carried extra significance. Watching two of Shedeur’s potential rivals at their best offered a glimpse of the competition that lies ahead for the Browns rookie. It also underscored the timeless appeal of elite quarterback play, regardless of age.

As Sanders’ viral reaction showed, this wasn’t just another Thursday night game — it was a rare meeting of legends that reminded fans why they fell in love with football in the first place.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Deion Sanders’ 7-word reaction to the game?

He wrote, “Battle of the OG’s ! Flacco vs Rogers,” highlighting the rare veteran showdown.

Q2: How old are Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers is 41 years old, while Flacco is 40. Their combined age is 82 years and 228 days.

Q3: Why is the Flacco vs. Rodgers matchup historic?

It’s only the second time in NFL history that both starting quarterbacks in a game are 40 or older.

Q4: How did both quarterbacks perform in the game?

Flacco threw three touchdowns with no interceptions. Rodgers matched with three TDs but had two picks.

Q5: How does this matchup connect to Shedeur Sanders?

Flacco and Rodgers are AFC North rivals of Shedeur Sanders’ Browns, making the game relevant to his future competition.