50 Facts About Zay Flowers

Early Life and Family Background

Zay Flowers' journey to the NFL is rooted in his early life and family experiences. Let's explore the foundation that shaped this rising star.

1. Zay Flowers was born into a large family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is the 11th of 14 children, with four sisters and nine brothers.

2. His mother, Jackie Walden, passed away when he was just five years old. She suffered a head injury from a fall, leaving a lasting impact on Zay's life.

3. His brother, Martin, was tragically murdered while being robbed in Sanford, North Carolina. This happened when Zay was in high school, adding to the challenges he faced growing up.

4. Zay's father, Willie Flowers, played a significant role in his life. Willie worked tirelessly as a driver for a medical device company to support their large family.

5. Willie Flowers' dedication left an indelible impression on Zay. He often saw his father getting up at 4 a.m. to work, then returning home to cook breakfast and take the children to football games.

High School Career

Zay Flowers' high school years were marked by determination and leadership. His athletic prowess began to shine during this period.

6. Zay attended NSU University School in Fort Lauderdale. He excelled in both basketball and football.

7. Despite being a three-star recruit, he led his team to back-to-back Class 4A state semifinal appearances. His performance on the field was nothing short of impressive.

8. His high school football coach, Daniel Luque, remembers Zay's determination. Even after the tragic loss of his brother, Zay remained a leader on the field.

College Career

Zay Flowers continued to build his reputation in college, setting records and earning accolades.

9. He played college football at Boston College. His time there was marked by hard work and dedication.

10. Zay set school records for career catches (200), receiving yards (3,056), and touchdown catches (29). These achievements cemented his status as one of the top wide receivers in college football.

NFL Draft Experience

The journey to the NFL was a significant milestone for Zay Flowers. His draft experience was filled with anticipation and excitement.

11. The Baltimore Ravens selected Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional career.

12. Director of college scouting David Blackburn described Zay as "fast as heck." Blackburn had seen him in person at the East-West Shrine Bowl practices.

Rookie Season Performance

Zay Flowers' rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens was nothing short of spectacular. He quickly made a name for himself in the league.

13. In his rookie season, Zay set franchise records for catches (77) and receiving yards (858). He also scored five touchdowns.

14. He played a significant role in the Ravens' offense. Zay often lined up in both the slot and outside positions.

15. His impressive performance earned him a spot among the NFL's top wide receivers. Even in his first year, he made a significant impact.

Playoff Performance

Zay Flowers continued to shine during the NFL playoffs, showcasing his talent on the big stage.

16. During the playoffs, Zay caught nine passes for 156 yards and a touchdown over two games. He ranked sixth among wide receivers during the fantasy championship and semifinal weekends.

Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy football enthusiasts have taken note of Zay Flowers' potential. His performance has made him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

17. Zay is currently ranked as the 26th wide receiver by average fantasy draft position (ADP) heading into the 2024 season. He is projected to score 130.05 fantasy points.

18. His ADP is 56 overall, indicating he is considered a mid-round pick in fantasy drafts. This reflects his value in fantasy football.

Statistical Insights

Zay Flowers' rookie season stats provide a deeper understanding of his impact on the field.

19. He racked up 387 yards after the catch last season. This ranked him 35th among NFL pass-catchers.

20. Zay was the target of 21.9% of his team’s 494 passing attempts. This shows his importance in the Ravens' passing game.

21. He scored six combined touchdowns last season. This accounted for 11.3% of his team’s 53 offensive touchdowns.

22. Zay averaged 7.0 rushing yards per carry. He gained 56 yards on eight attempts.

23. His 11.1 yards per catch average ranked 67th in the NFL. This highlights his ability to gain significant yardage on each reception.

24. He averaged 7.9 yards per target last season. This ranked 54th in the league.

Red Zone Performance

Zay Flowers proved to be a reliable target in the red zone, contributing to his team's scoring efforts.

25. He was targeted 13 times in the red zone last season. This accounted for 19.1% of his team’s 68 red zone pass attempts.

26. Zay had two red zone rushing attempts. This was 1.9% of his team’s carries within 20 yards of the end zone.

Best and Worst Fantasy Performances

Zay Flowers' fantasy football performances varied throughout the season. Here are some highlights and lowlights.

27. His best fantasy performance came in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He picked up 18.2 fantasy points with five receptions, 25 yards, and one touchdown.

28. His second-best performance was in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins. He scored 16.6 fantasy points with three receptions, 106 yards, and one touchdown.

29. His poorest game was in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded 0.7 fantasy points with one catch, seven yards, on two targets.

Route Running Ability

Zay Flowers' route-running skills have been a key factor in his success. His ability to create separation from defenders is impressive.

30. He has shown significant route-running ability, particularly from the slot position. His 2.08 yards per route run from the slot is among the best for wide receivers.

Competition for Touches

Despite being a top receiver, Zay Flowers faces competition for touches within the Ravens' offense.

31. Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. (now replaced by Devontez Walker) split time as the X receiver last season. This competition could impact Zay's opportunities.

32. Zay will likely continue to play a significant role but may see less slot time. This depends on the Ravens' offensive formations.

Impact of Teammates

Zay Flowers' performance is influenced by his teammates and the overall team dynamics.

33. He will continue playing in Todd Monken’s offense with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Their chemistry is crucial to Zay's success.

34. The addition of running back Derrick Henry might increase the team's reliance on the run. However, Zay has shown he can thrive in all passing situations.

Consistency Concerns

One area of concern for Zay Flowers is his week-to-week consistency. This is something he will need to address moving forward.

35. He flashed WR10 potential at the end of last season but struggled with consistency throughout. This might continue in 2024 if the Ravens focus on running the ball to victory.

Future Prospects

Despite some concerns, Zay Flowers has significant potential for growth and improvement in his second year.

36. His ability to play in the slot and outside positions makes him versatile. This versatility is a valuable asset for the Ravens.

37. Zay's strong work ethic suggests he will continue to develop as a player. His dedication and drive are evident in his performance.

Family Influence

Zay Flowers' family has always been a significant influence on his life. Their support and guidance have shaped him into the person he is today.

38. His father's dedication and perseverance have instilled in Zay a strong work ethic. Willie Flowers' example has been a guiding force in Zay's life.

39. His mother's memory and his brother's tragic loss have also shaped him. These experiences have contributed to his resilience and determination.

High School Football Legacy

Zay Flowers' high school football career laid the foundation for his future success. His achievements during this time were remarkable.

40. At NSU University School, Zay was a standout athlete who led his team to state semifinal appearances. His leadership and performance were key to the team's success.

41. His high school football coach, Daniel Luque, remembers him as a good student and a leader on the field. Zay's dedication to both academics and athletics was evident.

College Football Records

Zay Flowers' college career at Boston College was marked by record-setting performances and accolades.

42. He set school records for career catches (200), receiving yards (3,056), and touchdown catches (29). These achievements cemented his reputation as one of the top wide receivers in college football.

NFL Draft Process

The journey to the NFL was a significant milestone for Zay Flowers. His draft experience was filled with anticipation and excitement.

43. The Baltimore Ravens selected Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional career.

44. Director of college scouting David Blackburn described Zay as "fast as heck." Blackburn had seen him in person at the East-West Shrine Bowl practices.

Ravens’ Offense Dynamics

Zay Flowers plays in a dynamic offense that relies on the talents of quarterback Lamar Jackson and other key players.

45. He plays in Todd Monken’s offense, known for its dynamic play-calling. This system has allowed Zay to showcase his skills.

46. The addition of running back Derrick Henry might increase the team’s reliance on the run. However, Zay has shown he can thrive in all passing situations.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s Influence

Lamar Jackson has been instrumental in bringing Zay Flowers to the Ravens. Their chemistry on the field is evident.

47. Jackson had heard about Zay in youth football and believed he was the right player to add to their offense. Their connection has been a key factor in Zay's success.

General Manager Eric DeCosta’s Role

General manager Eric DeCosta played a crucial role in drafting Zay Flowers. His vision for the team included adding a player of Zay's caliber.

48. DeCosta traveled to South Florida to meet with Jackson about his unresolved contract. They discussed the need to add a wide receiver like Zay to the team.

Offseason Activities Participation

Zay Flowers' dedication to his craft is evident in his offseason activities. He continues to work hard and improve his skills.

49. During the offseason, Zay has been participating in team activities. His commitment to the team and his development is clear.

Team Dynamics Impact

The Ravens have a strong team dynamic, with players like Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely contributing to the offense.

50. The addition of new players like Devontez Walker will likely create competition for touches. This competition will also provide depth to the team.

Zay Flowers: A Star on the Rise

Zay Flowers has quickly become a standout player for the Baltimore Ravens. His journey from a challenging childhood in Fort Lauderdale to setting records at Boston College shows his determination and talent. Drafted 22nd overall in 2023, Flowers made an immediate impact, setting franchise records for catches and receiving yards in his rookie season. His versatility, playing both in the slot and outside, makes him a valuable asset. Despite some consistency issues, his potential is undeniable. With a strong work ethic and the support of his team, Flowers is poised for even greater success. As he continues to develop, fans and fantasy football players alike should keep an eye on this rising star. The future looks bright for Zay Flowers, and his journey is just beginning.