Joe Flacco has not always been given the same respect in NFL circles as some of his counterparts around the league.
Players like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have routinely garnered more praise than the Ravens'signal caller.
But in Rodgers' mind, it's time for Flacco to get his due.
"He's a Super Bowl champ, so you've got to give him the respect," Rodgers said during a conference call Wednesday with the Baltimore media. "He's had my respect, but I think people in general need to give him the respect he deserves as a Super Bowl MVP. I was there to watch that game firsthand, and he made some incredible plays."
The respect is mutual between the two.
"They've obviously been a top offense in the league for the past few years, and that's a big credit to him," Flacco said. "There's a reason why they're a good football team."
Flacco and Rodgers are getting respect from their peers in the NFL, in part because they are also getting two of the biggest paychecks in the league.
This offseason the Ravens gave Flacco a record-breaking $120.6 million contract, the biggest contract in NFL history. A couple months later, the Packers topped the deal by giving Rodgers $130 million.
The two quarterbacks have also become the stars of national advertising campaigns. Flacco's McDonald’s Mighty Wings commercials are currently running on the national airwaves, and Rodger's State Farm "Discount Double Check" ads add were an instant classic.
"I can definitely watch his commercials, but can't watch mine," Flacco said. "Yeah, I like his better."
Flacco is still somewhat new to the endorsement business, and Rodgers likes what he sees from Flacco's commercials.
"I think he's definitely getting up there and getting himself out there," Rodgers said. "It's good to see. I think he's got a real good sense of humor."
