Zay Flowers has a strong backing! The wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens is making headlines for collaborating with M&T Bank. His off-field achievements have left a remarkable impression on fans, but it’s his impressive rookie season records that have amazed many. The 22 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Zay secured 77 receptions and five touchdowns for 858 yards in his debut season. This success is rooted in his unique upbringing and the unwavering support from his parents, Jackie Walden and Willie Flowers.

Growing up with nine brothers and four sisters, Zay faced many hardships early in life. At just 5 years old, he experienced the tragic loss of his mother due to brain injuries sustained from a fall. It was a nightmare for him. However, after his mother’s death in 2005, his father took full responsibility for the household. Willie Flowers’ influence on Zay and his siblings was profound.

Despite working as a truck driver for a medical company during a financial crisis, Willie never gave up and worked tirelessly to provide for all 14 of his children, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations. He made many sacrifices for his children, which Zay has acknowledged. The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver has often discussed the impact his father had on his life and how his siblings also played a significant role.

“I used to see him get up and go to work at 4 a.m. in the morning; he did that every day Monday through Friday, and then he would get up Saturday, wash our clothes at the wash house, cook everybody breakfast, and take us to football games. Then do the same thing Sunday, and then go back to work Monday. So, just seeing him do that, it gave me my drive,” Zay stated.

Allegedly, his father would take him and his siblings to football games on weekends. Zay owes his father for inspiring him and teaching him the value of hard work. Flowers has demonstrated these same qualities in his quest for a career as an NFL receiver.

Zay’s father cultivates work ethics and discipline in him

Zay is overwhelmed with love and gratitude for his dad. Willie Flowers helped instill the work ethic and discipline that have made the dynamic young pass-catcher so well-known. In fact, Zay Flowers’ love for his father caught significant attention last May when he gifted his father a brand-new luxury SUV Mercedes as a thank-you for all his sacrifices.

Zay even made a retirement post for his dad on Instagram on June 24, posting pictures together. He wrote, “Laugh, Love, Dance 💐 Congrats On Retirement Pops , Really One Of One. Not A Lot Of People Could’ve Did What You Did With All 14 Of Us, Saw You Get Up Everyday At 4am And provide, Real Stand Up Man. You Deserve This One, Love You 🐐.” The post bespoke of his deep respect and admiration for his father.

He also credits his supportive family for his current standing in the NFL. “Family means everything to me. That’s all I got. That’s who I do it for. They are the reason why I keep going every day,” Flowers exclaimed.

Previously, during a candid discussion, Fort Lauderdale, Florida native Zay confessed that growing up in a large family helped shape his competitive nature. Whether it was competing athletically for food, for the remote control, or simply finding a place to sit, Flowers had to be at his best to come out on top.

The household was highly competitive, as each of the sibling sought to be better. And, in doing so, they always had lots of fun, according to Flowers. Whether is was football or household chores, they always used to juke each other. Zay Flowers’ journey to the NFL is thus a holistic achievement not just for the player, but also the entire family.