Baltimore Ravens and University of Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco will fly the M&T Bank’s green flag.
M&T announced that Flacco will join the “Official Bank of the Baltimore Ravens” to promote M&T’s Ravens Debit Card. He will also participate in M&T’s special events and activities in the community.
Flacco had been a pitchman for Maryland-based First Mariner.
“Since Joe is a University of Delaware alum, we are exploring ways to work with him on M&T initiatives within Delaware, where we are one of the leading banks in the state,” said bank spokesman Phil Hosmer.
“Joe is an outstanding athlete, and we all root for him to lead our Ravens to victory every week, but he is also a good citizen who is involved in the community,” said Augie Chiasera, president of M&T’s Baltimore and Chesapeake markets. “We share his commitment to success, both on and off the field, and we look forward to a great relationship with Joe.”
Flacco will work with M&T to develop exclusive fan content on social media, and on other fan engagement and community involvement initiatives. He will also appear in advertisements, signage and on a custom Joe Flacco M&T Debit Card, a release stated.
“I’m excited to join forces with M&T to engage with Ravens fans and be involved in the community,” Flacco said. “M&T is a great partner for the Ravens, and together we’ve achieved tremendous success in Baltimore. I hope to bring new energy to the partnership and increase my interaction with our fans through this relationship.”
The relationship between the Ravens and M&T Bank began in May of 2003 and has been extended to 2027.
In addition to naming the stadium, the relationship has many community components.
Delaware, a state where M&T planted its flag with the purchase of Wilmington Trust is a stronghold for the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, Flacco has a strong following in the Newark area and other areas of the state. In addition to Eagles and Ravens fans, Delaware also has Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and even some New York Giants and Dallas Cowboy fans.
Relations between the University of Delaware and Flacco have been strained, due to the firing of his UD coach Casey Keeler a few years ago.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback is know for his size, durability and strong arm. He is coming off a knee injury that contributed to a dismal year for the Ravens. The team has also struggled with replacing players wo cashed in after Flacco led the Ravens to the Super Bowl win.
Flacco, a native of southern New Jersey, also received a large contract that affected the team’s salary cap number.
