Joe Flacco Signs Deal To Pitch M&T Bank, Surprises Kids At Football Camp

M&T Bank has a new spokesman in its Ravens-focused ads. But is he an elite spokesman?

After years as a pitchman for Baltimore-based 1st Mariner Bank, Joe Flacco is moving to M&T Bank, the latter announced. Besides having its name on the Ravens' stadium, the bank has long had a relationship with the team. He'll help promote the bank's Ravens debit card and participate in M&T-sponsored events and activities.

“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,” Augie Chiasera, president of M&T’s Baltimore and Chesapeake markets, said in a statement. “We share his commitment to success, both on and off the field, and we look forward to a great relationship with Joe.”

After his Super Bowl MVP season, Flacco parlayed his success into more than a trip to Disneyland and a new contract. He's gotten endorsements from the likes of gummy bear maker Haribo and appeared starting last year in advertisements for Pepsi and Lay's.

“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 bank largely eschewed using Ravens players in its ads going back to 2014, not long after Ray Rice (a fixture in M&T advertisements) was charged with the assault of then-fiancee Janay Palmer at an Atlantic City casino. Ravens-based ads since then have featured the likes of head coach John Harbaugh and team president Dick Cass.

The bank's relationship with the Ravens goes back to 2003 and has since been extended to 2027.