**“Countdown to Kickoff: Remembering #22 Richmond Flowers – Tennessee’s Dynamic Dual-Sport Star Who Electrified the Vols and Conquered the Gridiron and Track”**

Richmond Flowers stands as one of the most unique and electrifying athletes in the rich history of Tennessee Volunteers football. As the countdown to another season of football in Knoxville ticks to 22 days, it is only fitting that the spotlight be cast on #22, the versatile wingback whose legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Richmond Flowers wasn’t just a great player; he was a symbol of courage, determination, and elite athleticism during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. His journey is one of triumph and perseverance—both on the field and off of it—and remains etched into the very soul of Tennessee sports lore.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Richmond Flowers grew up in the Deep South at a time when racial tensions and civil rights struggles were at their peak. His father, Richmond Flowers Sr., served as Alabama’s attorney general and was a vocal critic of segregationist policies, especially those pushed by then-Governor George Wallace. This political stance, while rooted in integrity and justice, made life difficult for the Flowers family. They faced death threats, social ostracism, and were constantly under pressure. It was in this atmosphere that Richmond Jr. learned what it meant to stand tall and perform with grace under pressure. While his father fought a moral battle in politics, Richmond fought his own battles on the track and football field, showing courage in a different but equally demanding arena.

Choosing the University of Tennessee was no small decision. Flowers was recruited by top programs across the country and could have stayed closer to home, but he chose Knoxville as a place where he could develop both as a student-athlete and as a man. Tennessee not only welcomed him with open arms but provided the perfect stage for a multi-sport talent to shine. The Vols coaching staff, recognizing his exceptional speed and agility, slotted him into the role of wingback—a position that would allow him to maximize his playmaking potential in both the running and passing game.

Though his numbers as a runner were not eye-popping—only 10 carries for 24 yards—Flowers made his mark as a receiver. In 1967, his junior season, he led the Volunteers with 41 receptions for 585 yards and four touchdowns. In an era when passing offenses were far less emphasized than they are today, those numbers represented not just production, but innovation. Flowers was a game-changer who forced defenses to adapt to his speed, which was almost unfair considering he was also one of the fastest hurdlers in the world at the time. His All-America honors that year were well-earned and gave Tennessee fans yet another reason to cheer for a team that was beginning to return to national prominence under head coach Doug Dickey.

Flowers’ ability to stretch the field made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs. He wasn’t just a receiver; he was a weapon. Every time he touched the ball, whether it was on a reverse, a screen, or a deep route, fans held their breath in anticipation. He brought track speed to the football field in a way that few ever have, and it gave Tennessee an edge that few other teams could match. Beyond that, he also returned kicks and was excellent at it. In his junior year alone, he racked up 173 return yards, adding another layer of value to his already versatile game. His career average of 21.6 yards per kickoff return speaks volumes about his ability to impact field position and swing momentum with a single burst.

Unfortunately, Flowers’ athletic journey took a turn in 1968 when a hamstring injury prevented him from competing in the Summer Olympics—a stage that many expected him to dominate. It was a cruel twist for an athlete who had spent years developing into a world-class hurdler. His track accolades were impressive by any standard: one NCAA title, six Southeastern Conference championships, and three All-American selections. Flowers was not just a great college football player—he was one of the finest track and field athletes in the nation, and the world. Missing the Olympics was a devastating personal blow, but true to form, he bounced back with determination, returning to the Vols that fall and even moving to tailback to continue helping his team.

The NFL took notice of Flowers’ rare athletic ability. In the 1969 NFL Draft, he was selected in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys, a franchise known for its rigorous scouting and keen eye for talent. Playing as a safety, Flowers brought his trademark speed and intelligence to the pro game. He spent three seasons with the Cowboys from 1969 to 1971 before joining the New York Giants for two more seasons. In total, his five-year NFL career showcased the same characteristics that had defined his time in college—versatility, speed, and toughness. After his NFL days, he briefly played in the World Football League in 1975 before making the admirable decision to attend law school, further demonstrating his multidimensional talents and commitment to growth beyond sports.

But Richmond Flowers’ story is not just one of statistics and accolades. It is also about what he represented to Tennessee and to the broader landscape of college athletics. He came to Knoxville as a young man carrying the burdens of his family’s political convictions and emerged as a beacon of hope and excellence. He faced hate and animosity in his home state because of his father’s progressive stances, yet never wavered in his own pursuit of excellence. He represented the ideal of the student-athlete at a time when such a term meant something deeply significant. He was an ambassador not only for Tennessee football but also for civil progress and athletic integrity.

It’s rare to find an athlete who excels in two sports at such a high level, and even rarer to find one who handles the pressure, expectations, and scrutiny with the poise that Richmond Flowers did. Whether sprinting over hurdles or streaking down the sideline for a touchdown, he did everything with a grace and power that inspired fans and teammates alike. His name still echoes through the halls of Tennessee athletics as a symbol of excellence, and rightfully so. As fans gear up for another season and the excitement builds with each passing day of the countdown, it is fitting to remember those who laid the foundation—those like Richmond Flowers, who did far more than wear the jersey; he elevated it.

His story is one that should be told not just during football countdowns or track retrospectives, but in every discussion about what it means to be a true Volunteer. He embodied the Volunteer spirit—not just in athletics, but in values. Commitment, resilience, performance, and character—these were the qualities that Richmond Flowers brought to the table every single day. He didn’t just play the game—he changed it. He didn’t just run races—he led them, figuratively and literally.

Today, the impact of Richmond Flowers can still be felt in Knoxville. His legacy serves as a source of inspiration for every young player who pulls on the orange and white. Every receiver who dreams of making a big play, every special teamer who eyes a big return, and every multi-sport athlete who dares to do more—all are walking in the footsteps of a man who showed that it could be done, and done at the highest level.

As the days dwindle down to that glorious moment when Neyland Stadium roars back to life and the Vols storm the field, take a moment to think back to the legends who made that roar possible. Think of Richmond Flowers—the sprinter, the playmaker, the trailblazer, the Volunteer. His name may rest quietly in the record books, but his spirit remains loud and clear. Because in Tennessee, greatness is never forgotten, and legends like Richmond Flowers are never left behind.