Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano has already become one of the NFL's more interesting stories ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the newest starting quarterback in Baltimore wants to make sure everyone gets his name right.
Fagnano, who will make his first career NFL start Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium, provided the correct pronunciation of his last name Tuesday after it became a popular topic among fans and reporters following his unexpected debut against the Buffalo Bills.
It's Joe "Fin-YAWN-oh".
The Ravens shared a video of their new starter addressing the pronunciation, providing some clarity before Fagnano steps onto the national stage. The timing couldn't be better for a player who was relatively
unknown outside of college football circles before Sunday.
In case you were wondering... @joefagnano on pronunciation 🙂 pic.twitter.com/mJEIDMl67a
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 3, 2026
Joe Fagnano goes from undrafted rookie to Ravens starter
Fagnano's rise has been one of the more surprising developments of Baltimore's season.
The former UConn quarterback went undrafted before joining the Ravens in May. He earned a spot on the 53-man roster after an impressive preseason that included an NFL-leading 509 passing yards, three touchdown passes and one interception. His regular-season debut came under difficult circumstances Sunday after Lamar Jackson suffered a right thumb injury and Tyler Huntley exited with a toe injury during Baltimore's 36-10 loss to Buffalo.
Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble, while facing heavy pressure from the Bills' defense.
The 26-year-old also suffered an ankle injury but finished the game. He was spotted practicing Tuesday with a substantial brace on his right ankle, and coach Jesse Minter subsequently confirmed that Fagnano would start against Jacksonville.
Ravens rookie gets his chance in national spotlight
Fagnano will become just the second undrafted rookie quarterback to start a regular-season game in Baltimore's 32-year history, joining Anthony Brown, who started against Cincinnati in 2022. He also has a chance to become the first former UConn quarterback to win an NFL game as a starter since Dan Orlovsky did with Indianapolis in 2011.
The Ravens have added Kedon Slovis and Austin Reed to provide quarterback depth, but Fagnano has the immediate responsibility. For a quarterback who entered the season as an undrafted rookie fighting for a roster spot, Thursday represents a significant opportunity.
At least one question has already been answered before kickoff: How to pronounce the name of Baltimore's newest starting quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens QB Joe Fagnano finally reveals how to pronounce his name
