Zay Flowers has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver is a Pro Bowl talent with an inspiring backstory, record-breaking performances, and an undeniable impact on the game.
Here are six fascinating things you didn’t know about the player who’s redefining the Ravens’ passing game.
6. Early Life Challenges
Zay Flowers didn’t have the easiest childhood. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as one of 14 children, his early years were filled with hardship. His mother, Jackie Walden, tragically passed away when Zay was only five. A few years later, his brother Martin was murdered. Despite these traumatic events, Zay found solace and strength in football.
He played at NSU University School, excelling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Even as a high schooler, he made a name for himself with 631 yards and 10 touchdowns during his junior year. Coming out of high school, Flowers was a 3-star recruit, ranked as the 135th-best receiver in the nation. He landed at Boston College, where he would go on to set multiple records and solidify himself as one of the top wide receivers in the country.
5. An Impressive College Career At Boston College
Once Zay got to Boston College, it didn’t take long for him to shine. In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact, finishing with 22 receptions, 341 yards, and 3 touchdowns. But it was in his sophomore year when he really started turning heads. He became just the second receiver in school history to earn First-Team All-ACC honors, with 56 catches for 892 yards and 9 touchdowns.
By the time he wrapped up his senior season in 2022, Flowers had already cemented his legacy at Boston College. He racked up 1,077 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Over his four years at BC, he set school records for career receptions (200), receiving yards (3,056), and touchdowns (29). His consistency and ability to make big plays week after week caught the attention of NFL scouts, setting him up for a strong draft.
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4. Record-Breaking Rookie Season
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Ravens picked Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick, and he wasted no time making a name for himself. His rookie season was nothing short of impressive. Flowers finished the year with 77 receptions for 858 yards and 5 touchdowns, setting two rookie records for the Ravens: most receptions and most receiving yards by a rookie. He also had some unforgettable moments, including a 75-yard touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, which set the record for receiving yards by a Ravens rookie in a single game.
Flowers’ big-play ability was on full display during his rookie campaign, and his versatility in both the passing and running game proved that the Ravens made a smart choice drafting him. He ended the season with 5 touchdowns, one of which was a 37-yard rushing touchdown and another a 75-yard receiving touchdown. His amazing performances helped the Ravens make a push for the playoffs.
3. Pro Bowl Selection In His Second Year
Throughout the 2024 regular season, Zay Flowers has made a significant impact, reaching a major milestone along the way. In just his second season, he became the first wide receiver in Ravens history to earn a Pro Bowl selection. So far, Flowers has recorded 74 catches for 1,059 yards and 4 touchdowns, further showcasing his development and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic receivers in the league. He’s also made history as the fastest player in Ravens history to reach 100 career receptions, accomplishing the feat in just 21 games.
Flowers has already surpassed 1,000 yards by his second season, setting a new standard for young wideouts in the Ravens’ offense. He has been essential in the team’s success, reaching 1,917 career receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in just 33 games through his ability to get open and make plays. His 14.3 yards per catch and 116 targets show his potential and growing importance to the Ravens’ offense.
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2. Developing Chemistry With Lamar Jackson
Building chemistry with Lamar Jackson has been another major factor in Flowers’ success. Before his rookie season even started, Flowers and Jackson spent some serious time together working on their connection. They trained in South Florida during the offseason, and that work quickly paid off when the season kicked off. Lamar trusted Zay early on, and that bond continued to grow as the season progressed.
In just his second year, Flowers had a deeper understanding of the Ravens’ offense, which offensive coordinator Todd Monken revamped. Flowers’ route-running and ability to make plays after the catch have become crucial parts of his game, which is why he’s one of Jackson’s go-to targets.
1. Focused On Winning The Super Bowl
While Flowers’ stats speak for themselves, he’s not just focused on personal awards. Despite his Pro Bowl selection and impressive numbers, Zay is determined to help the Ravens win a Super Bowl. He knows that individual success is great, but team success is what matters most. After coming close to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2023 AFC Championship Game, Flowers is more motivated than ever to help the Ravens win a championship.
“We just want to play our game and do what we do,” Flowers has said about the team’s mindset. The Ravens are looking strong for a deep playoff run, and Flowers is all in on the idea of going all the way. With a 12-5 record, they’ve locked up the AFC North title for the second year in a row and are heading into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.
Sadly, Flowers won’t be suiting up for the Wild Card game against the Steelers because of a knee injury he picked up in the regular-season finale against the Browns. Even though he can’t be out there leading the charge, his incredible performances have been a huge part of the Ravens’ success all season.
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