Virginia Tech NFL Update: Brandon Flowers retires and other camp news

The Hokies aren’t the only ones in fall camp. Here is some Virginia Tech news from around the NFL

Former Virginia Tech corner Brandon Flowers announced his retirement from the NFL last week after nine seasons as a professional.

The veteran was selected in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs used the 35th overall pick on Flowers.

He played six seasons in Kansas City where he was a very productive player. Flowers then signed a lucrative four-year, $36 million free agent deal with the San Diego Chargers where he played his final three injury-shortened seasons.

Flowers played 119 games as a pro, starting all but two of them. He amassed 429 tackles, 21 interceptions, and five fumble recoveries during his career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013.

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During his 40 games in Blacksburg, Flowers racked up 157 total tackles including 17 for a loss, 10 interceptions and 3.5 sacks. He earned All-American as well as All-ACC honors as a sophomore and junior before leaving school early for the NFL.

Flowers played with other future NFL talents like Kam Chancellor, Tyrod Taylor, and Eddie Royal. That group helped lead Tech to the 2007 ACC Championship.

Regarded by many as possibly the hardest-hitting corner in Hokie history, Flowers has quite a highlight reel.

Duane Brown continues holdout with Texans

Three-time pro bowl left tackle Duane Brown is continuing his holdout with the Houston Texans with preseason games underway.

His absence was notable against the Carolina Panthers, with the Panther defense getting plenty of pressure early against a patchwork o-line.

Brown has been taking a considerable hit financially for his holdout so far. He faces a fine of $40,000 for each day he misses and his overall salary was reduced $250,000 for skipping workouts this offseason. He was also fined $80,405 for missing a mandatory mini-camp in June.

Brown has two years remaining on a six-year, $53.4 million contract.

Team owner Bob McNair recently told the press, “He ought to be here. He needs the work just like everybody, so we look forward to his coming back. I’m sure he’ll be here; it’s just a matter of when.”

The Texans have a team policy of not negotiating contracts that have two years remaining, but they’ve previously made exceptions for J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson.

Five Hokies on display in Vikings-Bills game

https://twitter.com/VT_Football/status/895983390570291200

From left to right in the photo above that’s Logan Thomas (82), Bucky Hodges (84), Antone Exum Jr. (32), Nigel Williams (93), and Tyrod Taylor (5). The five players squared off at New Era Field in Buffalo last week in the preseason opener for both teams.

Taylor started at quarterback for the Bills and saw limited action. He completed 5-of-8 passes for 46 yards and gained two yards on a scramble.

Thomas caught two passes for 22 yards in his first game action as an NFL tight end. He switched to tight end from quarterback late last season and was recruited to Buffalo by former Tech teammate Taylor.

Exum Jr. recorded four tackles with three of them coming solo. The former sixth round pick of the Vikings has struggled with injuries, but finally appears healthy heading into his fourth season in the NFL.

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