Joe Flacco Pickleball Training Routine: Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is using pickleball to stay in shape for the 2025 NFL season with the Cleveland Browns. At age 40, Flacco has added the sport to his training to stay active and mentally sharp during the offseason.
Playing Games to Stay Fit
Joe Flacco shared details about his new training habits during a recent interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. The Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player explained how he found new ways to prepare his body by including fun, game-based activities.
“In terms of preparing my body, I think I’ve gotten better and better at that each year. You’re constantly looking towards things. The pickleball thing comes up because at some point I realized you can go out there and run and condition and do those things, but it’s better when you’re playing a game,” explained Joe Flacco. “Isn’t it better to go play basketball and get yourself in shape and actually play? That’s how I was. A couple of offseasons ago, I kind of realized, when I was a kid and you’re in great shape, it’s because you’re just playing all kinds of games and you’re working your brain and your body at the same time.”
Flacco believes that using games like pickleball keeps him more focused and active compared to regular gym workouts.
"I think as you get older you get better at it…."
Joe Flacco on staying sharp both physically and mentally at the age of 40….including taking up pickleball.https://t.co/leD4qwtfur@Browns I #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/n9BAypOOfp
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 1, 2025
Training Smarter, Not Harder
Joe Flacco explained that just lifting weights isn’t enough. He stressed the importance of staying engaged through physical games like pickleball.
“I think that’s really important to go back to because you can fall into a trap of getting in the weight room and then you think you’ve been very productive for the day because you worked out for an hour and a half, but you’re really not doing much the rest of the day. But when you’re playing games, you’re just kind of keeping yourself into it,” insisted Joe Flacco. “Then just now preparing mentally, I think as you get older, you get better at it, but you also get more relaxed. You’re able to be yourself a little bit more, as opposed to stressing about little things. You know what not to worry about so you can focus on the important things and really come out and let yourself shine.”
Joe Flacco signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in April 2025. He also played for the team during the final part of the 2023 NFL season. Now, with new training methods, he’s preparing to make an impact in the coming season.
Growing Trend Among Athletes
More and more pro athletes are adding pickleball to their routines. Joe Flacco and basketball star Luka Dončić are just two examples of players who have turned to the sport to improve fitness, stay sharp, and have fun during the offseason.
Pickleball offers a way to stay fit while also keeping the mind engaged—something that’s especially important for older athletes looking to maintain their edge.
News in Brief: Joe Flacco Pickleball Training Routine
Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is using pickleball as part of his training for the 2025 NFL season. The 40-year-old says playing games helps him stay in shape, both physically and mentally. He explained his approach during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
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