Chargers’ Cornerback Brandon Flowers Signs With PETA’s No-Fur Team

Athlete Sports His Tattoos—and Little Else—in ‘Ink, Not Mink’ Campaign

For Immediate Release:
December 10, 2014

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

NFL cornerback Brandon Flowers isn’t just new to the San Diego Chargers this season—he’s also new to PETA’s lineup of anti-fur athletes. In a brand-new ad campaign that comes just in time for the holiday shopping season, Flowers bares his amply tattooed arms—and his amply muscled torso—next to the words “Ink, Not Mink. Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin, and Let Animals Keep Theirs.” The ad, which was shot by top celebrity photographer James Acomb, is available here.

“I wanted to get involved with [PETA’s anti-fur campaign] because first off, I’m an animal lover,” Flowers told PETA in an exclusive video interview. “I have a dog. And I couldn’t imagine someone just taking my dog’s fur or skinning my dog alive or killing him just to be selfish.”

PETA and Flowers want shoppers to know that every year, millions of animals—including foxes, minks, rabbits, chinchillas, and even cats and dogs—are electrocuted, beaten, drowned, strangled, or even skinned alive for their fur. For every piece of fur—whether it’s a coat, collar, or cuff—animals suffered immensely.

In another video interview with PETA, Flowers explains how his dog, Pup, first entered his life. “I got him my rookie year in Kansas City. I was away from home. I needed a little buddy with me,” he says. “And man, he’s just been one of my best friends ever since. You know, I play with him all day. He’s just so happy to see you every time you come in the house.”

Flowers joins a growing list of top athletes—including Tony Gonzalez, Terrell Suggs, Stevie Johnson, Antoine Bethea, Le’Veon Bell, Willis McGahee, Bret Lockett, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Aaron Curry—who have teamed up with PETA to support the group’s motto that “animals are not ours to wear.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org.