Quinton Flowers

Quinton Flowers is a former professional gridiron football player who was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, primarily for the University of South Florida Bulls. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of American Athletic Conference football, setting numerous school and conference records during his collegiate career. His electrifying playstyle, characterized by explosive runs and clutch passing, made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the Bulls' rise to national prominence in the mid-2010s.

Early life and high school career

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Flowers attended Miami Jackson High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. He played quarterback for the Generals under coach Earl Tillman, demonstrating early on the dynamic skill set that would define his career. As a senior, he was named the Miami Herald's Class 8A-6A Player of the Year after accounting for over 2,500 total yards and 30 touchdowns. His high school performance drew recruiting interest from several NCAA Division I FBS programs, including the Florida State Seminoles and the Louisville Cardinals, before he ultimately committed to play for coach Willie Taggart at the University of South Florida.

College career

Flowers' career with the USF Bulls was transformative for the program. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he became the full-time starter in 2015 under new head coach Taggart. His breakout season came in 2016, when he led the Bulls to a program-record 11 wins, a victory in the Birmingham Bowl over the South Carolina Gamecocks, and a final ranking in the AP Poll. That year, he was named the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, setting single-season conference records for total offense. In 2017, he captained the team to another strong season, culminating in a win in the Gasparilla Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He finished his collegiate career as USF's all-time leader in total offense, passing touchdowns, and rushing yards by a quarterback, leaving an indelible mark on the Raymond James Stadium record books.

Professional career

Despite his prolific college career, Flowers went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals, who initially tried him at running back during training camp and the preseason. He spent most of his rookie season on the Bengals' practice squad. Seeking a better positional fit, Flowers transitioned to professional football in the Alliance of American Football (AAF), where he played quarterback for the Orlando Apollos under coach Steve Spurrier before the league's dissolution. He later had a brief stint with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League before retiring from professional football.

Career statistics

Flowers' collegiate statistics are a testament to his dual-threat dominance. Over his career at USF, he passed for 8,124 yards and 71 touchdowns against only 27 interceptions. On the ground, he amassed 3,672 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns, making him one of the most prolific rushing quarterbacks in NCAA Division I FBS history. His senior season in 2017 saw him throw for 2,911 yards and run for 1,078, joining an elite group of players to achieve a 2,500/1,000 season. He finished his career with 112 total touchdowns responsible for, a record for the American Athletic Conference.

Personal life

Since retiring from football, Flowers has remained involved in the sport, often participating in alumni events for the University of South Florida. He is active in community outreach, frequently returning to his hometown of Miami to work with youth football camps and charitable organizations. He has spoken openly about the influence of his family and his faith on his life and career. Flowers is also remembered for his resilience, having played through personal tragedy, including the loss of his father, to lead his team to success during his time in Tampa, Florida.

Category:American football quarterbacks Category:South Florida Bulls football players Category:Players of American football from Miami