How different is Joe Flacco than your standard franchise quarterback?
To answer that, let's go back to Friday and the Super Bowl ring presentation ceremony, during which Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti addressed Flacco in front of the team, family members and other personnel.
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"You are the leader now, like it or not," Bisciotti said, according to the Ravens' official site.
The owner meant it in a playful way, referring to Flacco's unassuming nature and the leadership vacuum created by the losses of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to retirement and free agency, respectively.
"Not many guys do what you did in five years. Not many did it your way," Bisciotti said, still addressing Flacco. "Not many like the way you do it. But I said at the end-of-the-year press conference after last year's (AFC Championship Game) defeat, that I think the fans of Baltimore will be rewarded by your low-key presence, and it will stand the test of time. Indeed it did, and we all hope it continues to do that."
More than anything, Flacco reminds us that leadership comes in different forms. He became a leader on the Ravens because of his consistency and actions. Substance over style.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
