Zay Flowers X Myprotein: Football, Family, and the Whey

We sat down with our newest Myprotein ambassador, Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, to talk about football, life, and his favorite Myprotein supps.

Zay is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is 23 years old. He joined the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft after playing for Boston College.

Football

How did you get to your position?

I would say just believing in yourself and manifesting what you want. This is something I've wanted since I was a kid.

When did you first realize you had a talent for football?

When I was six or seven years old.

Do you think you were looked at as an underdog?

Oh absolutely. In high school, I was ranked 1100 in the country and 90 something in my position, and 140 in the state of Florida overall. But that's what made me work hard every day and get to where I am.

Was there a moment when you knew, this it it?

That was probably college. I would say my sophomore year. My first offers were small, like Boston College. But I just wanted the opportunity to play.

I knew that if I went somewhere where they believed in me and I believed in myself, I would be able to do something special.

What would you say is the main thing Boston College taught you?

I became my own person, taking care of my business. And the same goes for football, if you want it for yourself, you have to make it happen.

What's the transition like from college to the NFL?

Honestly, the biggest thing is the speed. Everybody in the box, like the D-line and linebackers, gets faster and smarter. And for everyone in the corner, it's the same.

What was it like signing onto the NFL?

I don't even know how to explain it. You've just made it to the point that you've been working toward this whole time. So you don't even know how to react, other than smiling and laughing.

Family Life

What was your childhood like?

It was all about football—I've been playing since I was four years old.

What was it like being one of fourteen siblings?

It was fun—it made me who I am today. Just being around people smiling all the time. You're never going to be by yourself if you're one of fourteen.

Do you think growing up with a bunch of brothers influenced your competitive nature?

Oh yeah absolutely. We would have the younger brothers play against the older brothers. Now it wouldn't really be a fair competition.

How did your mom's passing away impact your upbringing?

My mom loved football. She put all of us in football—she started it. After she passed, my dad took over and would pack all of us with our bags in his truck. He'd be in the park from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 at night watching us play all our games.

My dad made it his duty to take care of us.

How instrumental do you think your dad was in your success?

I would see my dad go to work every day. I would see him get up at 4:00 in the morning and come back at 5:00 in the evening. He would take all of us to practice, get back at 10:00 PM, and then do it all again.

Then he would get up on Saturdays and take all of our clothes out to wash them. I would sometimes go with him.

He's probably the reason I am the way I am now.

How did your brother's passing impact you?

He was one of those people that was always happy. He would make you smile and laugh. He was a genuine person and was that one person that everyone loved. And he was super athletic—he was the fastest one in the family.

That gave me some motivation because it taught me that life is short. And you have to make life happen and achieve your goals.

What do you think your mother and brother would say if they saw you now?

They'd probably be super proud. My dad said that my mom loved football. She would probably see me in this position and cry. My brother too.

Who are your idols?

My dad. He's the only one.