Arkansas Football Legend Mourns Death of 16-YO Family Member in Heartbreaking Message

It’s a day of mourning for the Arkansas Razorbacks’ former defensive end, Trey Flowers. The 2x Super Bowl champ’s Instagram profile is an open book that gives a glimpse into Flowers’ personal life. The former New England Patriots star often posts about his wife and kids. But September 24 came with a heartbreaking update. Flowers met with a personal tragedy. Even though it did not involve his immediate family, he did lost someone close to his heart. 

It’s none other than his 16-year-old nephew, Jayden Maclin. Flowers wanted to share the happy memories he had with him. On September 23, the defensive back posted on IG with a long caption. “Maaann 😪 unc love you nephew. Find joy in knowing you came to know the Lord before you left. 🙏🏽 pray for the family! Still ain’t giving up on you! Love you forever💔🕊️,” wrote Flowers. The pictures and clips are surely going to leave the fans teary-eyed.

Flowers shared an obituary note. It read, “Celebrating the life of Jayden Maclin 08.04.2009- 09.20.25.” It was followed by the mention of the memorial services being held on “Saturday, September 27, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Stoner Field, 3715 Bragg Street.” Flowers also attached a clip of his nephew’s baptism ceremony. The cause of death has not been released and the privacy of the family is being respected.

A screenshot of a chat exchanged between the duo captured a glimpse of their bond. Flowers’ message from February this year, read, “Ain’t giving up on you nephew. Don’t give up on yourself!” To which Maclin replied, “I appreciate it.” A message from March read Flowers’ nephew writing to him, “Uncle Trey when the next time I can come down there.” To which the former Arkansas defensive end wrote, “I don’t know, we on the way there today.” 

The most heart wrenching of the lot is the clip where the uncle-nephew duo captured a video of themselves. The young Maclin was seen saying to Flowers, “Say something, Trey” and the duo immediately started vibing to a rap. The duo even clicked a selfie, striking funny poses. Flowers also attached a picture of his nephew when he was still a toddler. Little Maclin is seen wearing a red colored Arkansas Razorbacks t-shirt and a novelty hog nose mask. The comments under the post are filled with fans of Flowers sending their condolences.

Trey Flowers is living with a purpose 

Trey posted a birthday post for his daughter on May 16. The caption read, “🙏🏽 my expressive baby girl! Happy birthday to the light!!! 💛🥰☀️” From an early age, the defensive end ensures the toddler stays physically fit. “Big jumps,” cheered the proud father, and in another clip, Flowers is seen motivating her to do pushups.   

The family picture, which he posted for his wife, Jalen, on the occasion of Mother’s Day, is heartwarming. “The epitome of motherhood! Operating with grace and love. Grateful to share life with you. We love you! ❤️ @boom_chakaa happy Mother’s Day 💐,” wrote Flowers. Not just for his family, Flowers, after retiring from football, lives with a purpose. Giving back to society falls at the top of his priority list.

Flowers has now got his own foundation known as the “Flowers Of The Future.” Their IG profile mentions, “Our mission is to est. community engagement, promote physical fitness, develop positive values & engage in philanthropic endeavors to better the youth.” On December 19, 2024, on the occasion of the foundation’s 6th anniversary, Flowers organized a toy gifting drive where 200 toys were distributed among the children who were spending their holiday in the hospital. 

On June 22, the IG profile of the foundation page posted, “Year 4 was one for the books! Face painting, relays, water slides and more — we hope all of our attendees enjoyed the Field Day Extravaganza! Thank you to our sponsors, vendors and volunteers.” Through his philanthropic efforts, Trey Flowers is carrying on a legacy that may help him deal with the loss of his nephew.