Flacco jokes he's excited for London game to get away from 4 kids

Joe Flacco isn't dreading the seven-hour trip overseas for the Baltimore Ravens' 2017 game in London. He's looking at it as a vacation.

From his hectic family life, specifically.

"I kind of always had a negative stance on it, but I'm warming up to the idea," Flacco said this week.

"I have four kids now. I think that's probably why I'm looking at it a little bit more optimistically. It'll be good to get away from them."

He was joking, if that wasn't clear. By all accounts, Flacco is a devoted father.

But the NFL season is long and four children is a lot. Everyone needs a break now and then.

The NFL announced this week the four London matchups for 2017. The Ravens will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3 or 4.