Browns QB Joe Flacco Apologizes to Packers Rookie After Refusing Jersey Swap

The Cleveland Browns pulled off a stunning upset, rallying from a 10–0 deficit to beat the Green Bay Packers 13–10 at Huntington Bank Field in Week 3. Cleveland improved to 1–2, snapping an eight-game losing streak, while Green Bay fell to 2–1 after starting the season 2–0.

The Packers controlled the game for most of the afternoon with a stout defense. Jordan Love threw for 183 yards and a touchdown, connecting with John FitzPatrick for a 3-yard score in the third quarter, while the running game managed only 72 yards on the ground. Behind a field goal from Brandon McManus, the Packers led 10–0 heading into the final minutes.

The Browns struggled offensively throughout. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed 21 of 36 passes for 142 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, while being sacked three times. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins provided a spark with 94 rushing yards on 18 carries.

The comeback began when safety Grant Delpit intercepted Love and returned it 25 yards to the Packers’ 4-yard line, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Judkins to tie the game at 10–10. With 1:04 left, the Packers lined up for a potential go-ahead 43-yard field goal, but defensive tackle Shelby Harris blocked it, and cornerback Greg Newsome II recovered at the 47-yard line. Flacco then connected with Jamari Thrash for 3 yards and David Njoku for an 8-yard gain, aided by a Packers offside penalty, to set up kicker Andre Szmyt’s game-winning 55-yard field goal as time expired.

The win marked Cleveland’s first of the season and the first time in franchise history they overcame a 10-point deficit while scoreless with under four minutes remaining. ESPN and NFL.com praised the Browns’ defense and special teams as “clutch heroics in a defensive battle.” Browns fans flooded social media praising Flacco’s late-game poise, Judkins’ emergence, Delpit’s interception, and Harris’ block, while Packers fans lamented the late collapse.

Yet the gritty win was quickly overshadowed by postgame drama. As players exchanged jerseys at midfield, Packers rookie edge rusher Barryn Sorrell approached Flacco for a swap. Still visibly frustrated despite the victory, the veteran quarterback declined and walked away, sparking immediate controversy.

The clip went viral, with many Packers supporters calling the snub “disrespectful” toward a rookie who had made an impact with a sack earlier in the game. The backlash turned into one of the biggest talking points of the NFL weekend, overshadowing the Browns’ improbable comeback.

On Monday, Flacco publicly addressed the moment. “I want to apologize for not controlling my emotions in that moment. He asked to swap jerseys right when I was at my most frustrated after a tough game where I didn't play up to my standards, even though we pulled out the win.”

Flacco added: “He’s a talented young player, and I truly hope to cross paths with him again. Next time, I’ll be the one asking to swap jerseys.”

The apology may calm the storm, but it also highlights how intense emotions in the NFL can spill over into moments of sportsmanship, even in victory.