Since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, Brandon Flowers has emerged as one of the NFL most reliable and tenacious cornerbacks, with 13 interceptions—three of which he’s returned for touchdowns—and 70 passes defensed.
Off the field, the former standout at Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach, is equally dedicated when it comes to his role as current president of Prep & Sports Inc., the organization founded in 2005 that provides academic and athletic guidance to at-risk youth in Palm Beach County.
“[Prep & Sports] is a blessing to the community,” says the Chiefs’ second-round draft pick in 2008 out of Virginia Tech, who is hosting a local charity event this weekend to benefit the nonprofit. “I can relate to the kids because I know where they’re coming from. I know how it is. I wanted to become president because I felt like I could touch [the lives] of these kids.”
Flowers is doing that and much more on behalf of an organization that calls on sports trainers and qualified Palm Beach County educators to enhance athletic performance on the field and academic performance in the classroom through such avenues as SAT/ACT preparation.
“A lot more kids are going to college, and a lot of parents are thanking us,” says Flowers, who inked a five-year extension with the Chiefs last season worth more than $48 million. “We have some kids who were the first graduates in their family.”
If there is one message Flowers wants to instill in younger generations, it is to “work hard, stay in school, do great in school, and don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling your dreams.”
The Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend, which runs through Saturday, includes a variety of events in and around Delray Beach. Several NFL players are expected to participate in the festivities, which culminate in a 16-team, seven-on-seven football tournament at Seacrest Sports Complex. Here’s the lowdown:
July 13: Celebrity pool party at the Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach (2842 S. Ocean Blvd.); 7 to 10 p.m.; tickets $100, includes open bar and barbecue
July 14: 7-on-7 high school tournament, featuring teams from all over the country; Seacrest Sports Complex (2505 N. Seacrest Blvd.), Delray Beach, 4 to 10 p.m.; $5 gate fee
Visit prepandsports.org for more information.
