Huntsville native Trey Flowers holds second annual field day extravaganza

 

by: Claudia Chakamian

Posted: Jun 17, 2023 / 10:19 PM CDT

Updated: Jun 17, 2023 / 10:19 PM CDT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Sometimes it’s just fun to run around and have fun like a kid, and Huntsville native and NFL defensive lineman Trey Flowers is making sure that the local kids get to have that kind of fun. On Saturday, the Columbia High School alum returned home to host his second annual field day extravaganza.

This year, Flowers said the event was bigger and better as kids got to play dodgeball, water balloon rights, ride horses, go on bounce houses, eat ice cream and more.

The two-time Super Bowl champ has always wanted to give back to his community but wanted to do something different than a normal football camp and that’s why he decided to have a field day instead. His goal is to just let these kids have fun, instill positivity and be a role model for his community.

“For them to come out and just have fun, and show them that they can smile and have fun, have a good time, it’s important to enjoy life. Just being the standard, being a role model for them to look up and see the example that I was just like them in the same city, same school system, same rec league, same whatever and I achieved the things that I achieved and you can do the same thing, if not more,” Flowers said.

Flowers added that he is already excited for next year’s event and to once again make it bigger and better for the local kids.

The Quiet ‘Other Guy’ Needing a Contract Extension from the Vikings

 

Dustin Baker  |  

Jun 15, 2023

Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

 

It’s June 15th, and the items dominating the Minnesota Vikings post-minicamp news feed include Justin Jefferson’s eventual contract extension, plus Danielle Hunter’s holdout for a — you guessed it — contract extension.

The Quiet’ Other Guy’ Needing a Contract Extension from the Vikings

But don’t forget about the quiet ‘other guy’ who will soon be paid — tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded for Hockenson at last year’s trade deadline, and the man immediately seized Minnesota’s offense by the throat. In fact, onboarding Hockenson can reasonably be considered Adofo-Mensah’s wisest move to date as the Vikings boss.

Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) runs after a catch against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports.

 

Thankfully for the Vikings and the team’s fans’ sake, an upcoming Hockenson extension isn’t too mysterious — it just eventually has to get done. It’s akin to Jefferson’s status throughout the offseason, where Vikings leaders affirmed for five months that extending Jefferson was a no-brainer, yet the deal hasn’t been finalized.

Hockenson lives in that territory, too.

Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the first quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

 

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert opined on the Hockenson-Vikings situation this week, “While the Vikings’ financial attention has been occupied elsewhere this offseason, most notably in a complicated contract negotiation with All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, it’s clear they plan to address Hockenson’s deal as well. Progress is more likely to take place later this summer.”

The 25-year-old grabbed 60 receptions in 10 games as a Viking, a pace fetching 102 catches if spanned to a 17-game season. The 60 receptions were also the most in NFL history by a tight end in his first 10 games with a franchise:

Most Receptions by a TE,
First 10 Games with a Franchise,
Since 1970:

1. T.J. Hockenson, MIN (60)
2. Kellen Winslow, CLE (56)
3. Keith Jackson, PHI (54)
4. Tony Gonzalez, KC (52)
5. Jermaine Wiggins, MIN (51)

Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; NFC tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings (87) during practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

 

In late May, the Vikings conducted organized team activities (OTAs), and Hockenson spoke to reporters about his future. “That’s not really anything I’m focused on. I mean, it is what it is. I think that’s no secret that that’s coming up, but that’s not a focus that I’m worried about. I’m just out here playing football, having fun with the guys, really enjoying the city of Minneapolis and trying to get around these fans,” Hockenson said.

“This is a place obviously I want to be, and everything needs to work out. I hope to be here for a long time, but on the same hand, it is a business, and there’s a side to that. Again, I don’t look at that, but it’s great to be here right now,” he added.

Therefore, even as some Vikings fans and pundits absolutely insist the club is amid a full, tear-it-down rebuild, a Hockenson extension is imminent — directly contradicting the “they’re obviously tearing it down” talking point.

Hockenson is expected to earn north of $15 million per season via his next deal.

Bill Belichick: I love Mike Vrabel and what he did for us here

 

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 14, 2023, 12:39 PM EDT

USA Today

 

Mike Vrabel was selected last month to the Patriots’ Hall of Fame, and Bill Belichick praised Vrabel when asked about that selection at the Patriots’ minicamp.

Vrabel played for Belichick from 2001 to 2008, and while they now coach against each other when the Patriots face the Titans, Belichick said he has nothing but respect for everything Vrabel has accomplished.

“I love Mike and what he did for us here,” Belichick said. “He was a big signing for us from Pittsburgh. He didn’t play much up there but came here and became an immediate starter. He played in all of the kicking game, which he did in Pittsburgh as well. He gave us a lot of leadership with a lot of energy, toughness and football character. He was a great addition. I have a good relationship with Mike all the way back to when he was at Ohio State. Since, I’ve followed his coaching career, obviously from Ohio State, to Houston, to Tennessee. I had a great opportunity to work with Mike, and I look forward to working with him again this summer in Tennessee, and at his induction later in the fall. There are a lot of great Patriots from my era as a coach in the Hall of Fame. I’m proud to put another one in, especially on the defensive side of the ball there. We got a lot of them—[Richard] Seymour, [Tedy] Bruschi, Vince [Wilfork], I think there’s a couple more we need to get in there, and obviously, Ty [Law].”

A third-round draft pick of the Steelers out of Ohio State in 1997, Vrabel played four seasons in Pittsburgh, eight in New England and then two in Kansas City. After retiring he went into coaching, first at Ohio State and then with the Texans before becoming the Titans’ head coach in 2018.