Get ready for a clash of gridiron titans as Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco, both over 40, prepare to make NFL history in their upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup. Dubbed the “Icy Hot Bowl” and the “Battle of the uncs,” this game is a rare testament to quarterback longevity, experience, and the enduring passion that keeps these legends defying Father Time.
The NFL is set to witness a truly historic moment on Thursday Night Football as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 41, and Cincinnati Bengals signal-caller Joe Flacco, 40, go head-to-head. This highly anticipated matchup, affectionately known by fans and players alike as the “Icy Hot Bowl” or the “Battle of the uncs,” marks only the second time in league history that two quarterbacks over the age of 40 will start against each other. The first such instance occurred during the 2020 season when future Hall of Famers Tom Brady and Drew Brees faced off. This unique encounter underscores the remarkable staying power and continued relevance of two Super Bowl-winning QBs in an increasingly youth-driven league.
The moniker “Icy Hot Bowl” originated from Steelers veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who, at 36 years old himself, playfully heckled Rodgers during a press session. Rodgers, ever the showman, embraced the joke, stating, “I think it’s great for all the old guys.” The NFL’s own promotional materials have also leaned into the phenomenon, branding the game the “Battle of the uncs”—a term of endearment signifying respect for an elder, often used humorously when the age gap isn’t too stark, as highlighted by USA TODAY Sports.
Two Journeys, One Historic Collision
The paths that have led Rodgers and Flacco to this unexpected showdown in 2025 are as compelling as their longevity. Aaron Rodgers, now in his 21st NFL season and first with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has long been a model of consistency and greatness. After rehabbing a torn Achilles, he has seamlessly taken the reins in Pittsburgh, leading the Steelers to a 4-1 record and proving he still has plenty of gas in the tank. His continued performance keeps him among the league’s elite, and with just 116 more passing yards on Thursday, he is set to pass Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger for the fifth-most regular-season passing yards in NFL history, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Joe Flacco‘s recent journey, however, has been one of unexpected turns and resilient comebacks. Just seven days prior to this matchup, Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals from the Cleveland Browns, where he had started Week 1 before being benched for rookie Dillon Gabriel. Before that, he had spent time mentoring rookies in northeast Ohio and had stints with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts since leaving the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. Despite the whirlwind, Flacco immediately injected life into a struggling Bengals team, throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers with less than a week to learn the playbook. His ability to perform under pressure, even with minimal preparation, speaks volumes about his profound experience.
The Secrets to Sustained Greatness
Playing into your 40s in the NFL is no small feat, and former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Warren Moon, who made his final start after his 44th birthday, offers valuable insights. He notes that while quarterbacks benefit from limited contact rules in today’s game—a luxury he wished he had in the 80s and 90s—the physical toll is still immense. “You don’t bounce back as fast as you used to when you were younger,” Moon told USA TODAY Sports. He emphasized the increased commitment to recovery, diet, and training required to maintain peak performance.
Both Rodgers and Flacco exemplify this dedication. Rodgers, known for his meticulous self-care, mentioned feeling “a little tighter” early in the season but now loosening up after focusing on his body gurus during an early-season bye week. Flacco echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that staying mentally energized by learning game plans is as crucial as physical preparedness. “It does become work to a certain extent,” Flacco said, referring to the commitment required to stay on the field, even if it meant sitting as a backup for several seasons.
Beyond physical maintenance, experience offers a mental edge. As Moon explained, “The game is so much easier and so much slower as you get older.” Veteran quarterbacks, armed with years of film study and in-game adjustments, can read defenses faster and get the ball out quickly. This is evident in Rodgers‘ play this season, with Next Gen Stats showing his quick release time (2.57 seconds) and low average intended air yards (5.4), indicating a mastery of the short game and efficiency designed to limit hits.
Legacies Forged in Numbers and Rings
The combined careers of Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco represent a staggering amount of NFL history. Between them, they boast over 110,000 passing yards and significantly more playoff experience than most active rosters. Both have reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning a Super Bowl and earning the coveted Super Bowl MVP title—Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers and Flacco with the Baltimore Ravens.
Their individual statistical achievements further underscore their place among NFL greats. As of a recent update, Joe Flacco became the 19th quarterback in NFL history to win 100 regular season games. Aaron Rodgers, tied for 6th on that same list with 148 wins, continually solidifies his status as one of the most prolific passers ever. This level of sustained success requires “some level of consistency to give you the opportunities,” as Rodgers himself stated.
Quarterbacks with 100+ NFL Regular Season Wins (as of recent update):
- (1) Tom Brady (251 wins)
- (T-2) Peyton Manning (186 wins)
- (T-2) Brett Favre (186 wins)
- (4) Drew Brees (172 wins)
- (5) Ben Roethlisberger (165 wins)
- (T-6) Aaron Rodgers (148 wins)
- (T-6) John Elway (148 wins)
- (8) Dan Marino (147 wins)
- (9) Philip Rivers (134 wins)
- (T-10) Matt Ryan (124 wins)
- (T-10) Fran Tarkenton (124 wins)
- (12) Johnny Unitas (118 wins)
- (T-13) Joe Montana (117 wins)
- (T-13) Eli Manning (117 wins)
- (15) Russell Wilson (115 wins)
- (16) Terry Bradshaw (107 wins)
- (17) Warren Moon (102 wins)
- (18) Jim Kelly (101 wins)
- (19) Joe Flacco (100 wins)
A Nostalgic Treat for Fans
For many fans, this game is more than just a Week 7 matchup; it’s a nostalgic treat. It’s a chance to witness two quarterbacks who debuted in the same era (Flacco as a rookie, Rodgers taking over for Brett Favre in 2008) still carving up defenses and leading their teams with poise. The novelty of seeing these “old guys” still performing at a high level resonates deeply within the fan community, sparking discussions about their all-time rankings, their legacies, and the sheer joy of watching talent endure.
Ultimately, the “Icy Hot Bowl” serves as a powerful reminder that while the NFL constantly evolves with faster play and younger talent, experience and mastery of the game still matter. Rodgers and Flacco may not move with the same youthful explosiveness, but their ability to read defenses, control the game, and deliver under pressure remains undiminished. For Rodgers, it’s about sustaining greatness; for Flacco, it’s about proving he still has plenty to offer, even as a journeyman. This Thursday, two legends will take the field, not just as opponents, but as testaments to the enduring spirit of football.
