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January 26, 2017
By Mark Daniels
FOXBORO - Trey Flowers didn't get much of a feel for the NFL during his rookie season. Of course, he only played one game and didn't register a single statistic, so he'd be hard-pressed to gain much momentum off that 2015 NFL season.
Nevertheless, the second-year defensive end burst on the scene this year. After a slow start in the first half of the season, Flowers started every game for the Patriots after the Week Nine bye week. Now, the 23-year-old heads to Super Bowl LI as a first-time starter and team sack leader.
"It's pretty big," Flowers said. "I guess you could say after last year, being on the outside looking in, just being able to come back and prepare myself and allow myself to contribute and produce for my team, to go out there and play with my brothers. It's definitely a different feeling. I'm just blessed with the opportunity just to have another opportunity to come out here and play one last game with my brothers."
Flowers leads the Patriots with seven sacks and has wowed teammates with his potential and raw talent. Before he plays in his first ever Super Bowl, the defensive end said he's leaned on the veteran players to help get him prepared for the upcoming week in Houston.
"They just kind of let us know how big the game will be and all things that come around with it," Flowers said. "Just be prepared for media and things going around throughout the week. The biggest advice is stay focused."