Brandon Flowers returns to Tech to earn degree

All-America, Pro Bowl cornerback shares his love, appreciation for Tech and coaching staff

June 4, 2018

BLACKSBURG – When Brandon Flowers departed Virginia Tech as a second-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, there was always a voice that he would eventually draw him back to Blacksburg

“I can’t thank you guys enough from turning me from a boy into a man here,” Flowers told longtime defensive coordinator Bud Foster. “I came from a tougher background and school wasn’t my strong suit when I first came here. I went to the NFL and I was fortunate enough to get three-four nice contracts, and at the end of the day I could still hear in the back of my head coach [Frank] Beamer talking about ‘get your degree.’

“I always still come through that tunnel for spring games and during [homes] games feeling left out because my name isn’t on that board without a graduation cap. That just always stuck with me as like… I had to go back no matter what. I don’t care how long it takes. It’s been 10 years but I still just wanted to be on that board, and I felt that I owed it to you guys just be like hey I got my degree. That’s what I came here for and that’s what I’m going to leave with no matter what.”

Mission accomplished! Flowers spent the spring back on campus and completed his sociology degree, walking in graduation ceremonies that took place in May. Up next, Flowers plans to pursue his MBA at the University of Miami, near his home in Delray Beach, Florida.

In addition to putting the finishing touches on his coursework, Flowers spent an afternoon catching up with longtime Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster. The mutual respect and admiration between the two men was apparent as they discussed Coach Beamer, Flowers’ teammates and more. Flowers also bumped into current head coach Justin Fuente and made a point of telling him how welcome he felt back in Blacksburg and how much he appreciated the direction of the program under his leadership.

And while strolling through the locker room and the practice field, Flowers also made a pretty compelling argument why any promising football prospect should consider Virginia Tech.

“When I came here, I just felt like this was home,” Flowers said. “I didn’t take any other visits. I was just like, this is the place I need to be. I felt the family vibe. The [home] games are insane, I don’t care if another college’s stadium is bigger, it’s not going to get louder than this place right here (Lane Stadium). If you love football this is the place to be.”

During his career at Tech, Flowers played in 41 games (28 starts), compiling 158 tackles (99 solo) with 17.0 TFL. He intercepted 10 passes for 172 yards with two TDs. A two-time All-America selection for the Hokies, Tech boasted one of the nation’s most dominant defense during his three full seasons on the field. Here’s a look at where The Lunch Pail Defense stacked up among FBS squads in some key team defensive categories from 2005-07.

2005

1st: Total Defense: 247.62 ypg

2nd: Scoring Defense: 12.92 ppg

2nd: Pass Efficiency: 92.68

3rd: Pass Defense: 154.23 ypg

8th: Rushing Defense: 92.68 ypg

T9th: Interceptions: 19

2006

1st: Total Defense: 219.46 ypg

1st: Scoring Defense: 11.00 ppg

1st: Pass Defense: 128.23 ypg

2nd: Pass Efficiency: 91.37

11th: Rushing Defense: 91.23 ypg

T15th: Interceptions: 17

2007

3rd: Scoring Defense: 16.07 ppg

4th: Total Defense: 293.31 ypg

5th: Pass Efficiency: 99.12

5th: Rushing Def: 86.64 ypg

5th: Sacks: 3.36

T8th: Interceptions: 22

T13th: Turnovers Gained: 31

Flowers concluded his nine-year NFL career with 119 games (117 starts) to his credit in six seasons with Kansas City (2008-13) and San Diego (2014-16). He registered 21 interceptions for 421 yards with four TDs, while forcing four fumbles and recovering five fumbles. He also racked up 111 passes defensed and three sacks.

Andy Bitter of the Roanoke Times also caught up with Flowers just prior to his graduation. You can read that story here: bit.ly/VT-Flowers

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