National Football League linebacking legend Dick Butkus paid a surprise visit to Upland High School on Monday to present his namesake award to Highlander standout Justin Flowe.
One of the most heralded linebackers to come out of California in recent years, Flowe can now add Butkus Award winner to an impressive resume that includes his ranking as the top linebacker recruit in the nation.
Flowe was unaware that Butkus was on campus or that he had even won the award – given to the top high school linebacker in the country. When the moment arrived, in a quickly arranged ceremony at the high school library, Flowe was stunned, but grateful – and showed the humor and grace that have marked his four years at Upland High.
“I thought I’d gotten in trouble,” he said of getting pulled out of class earlier in the day, only to find his parents, teammates, coaches and staff all waiting for him.
Butkus, whose Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears earned him the distinction as one of the fiercest competitors ever to have played the game, said the choice was easy.
“Justin completely ran away with the award,” he said. “I would be honored to play with a guy like this.”
Where Flowe will play next is unclear; he’s still determining where he will go to college.
“Wherever he goes, that school will be getting an extraordinary player, and an awesome kid,” said John McNally, Upland High’s athletic director.
Justin’s father, Johnny, said he knew at an early age that his son had a gift for football.
“He was so intimidating at the age of 9 that the other teams (in youth football) would refuse to play if he played,” Mr. Flowe said.
The Butkus Award was instituted in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, and is given annually to the top linebackers at the high school, college and professional levels. Although the award recognizes prowess on the playing field, winning it is about more than football, Butkus said.
“I like to see their excitement and sincerity about winning the award,” the former linebacker said. “We hope that he understands that ‘OK, I’m the best of the best but I have a responsibility to give back to other people.’”
Flowe said he appreciates the opportunity.
“Thank you for giving me this award. It’s really a blessing. God’s watching over me.”