These days, you never know who you're going to bump into in New Bedford.

Over the past few years, the SouthCoast has become a hotspot for Hollywood actors and star athletes. However, I never expected to run into a professional football player in the South End of New Bedford — yet, here we are.

There's a cozy barber shop on County Street called Ink The Barber, run by 30-year-old John (Joao) Gilmete. Recently, this shop had a surprise visit from former New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers. The football star, known for his impressive plays on the field and his humble demeanor off it, chose the spot for a trim and a fade.

On Wednesday, July 17, Flowers sat in a barber's chair for his 11:45 a.m. appointment.

Talk about a huge win for Gilmete.

"It's not about money," Gilmete said. "It's about meeting people, especially those who give back to the community."

Trey Flowers: Just A Regular Guy

Despite his NFL status, Flowers didn't ask for any special treatment.

He used an app to book his appointment and even sent a deposit like any other customer. No VIP requests, no preferential treatment — just a regular guy looking for a quality haircut.

Courtesy John Gilmete
Courtesy John Gilmete
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"Out of all the barbers around here, I still wonder why me," Gilmete said. "There are a lot of amazing barbers in the area he could have gone to, but I came recommended and take my work seriously. You have to have patience for good things to happen."

Trey Flowers' SouthCoast Connection

While getting his haircut, Flowers chatted about his Cape Verdean wife, who is from Marion, and their love for Cape Verdean music and culture. They discussed Cachupa (a signature Cape Verde dish) and other traditional foods, bringing a warm and welcoming conversation into the shop. Gilmete also shared some of his own music, which he makes on the side, and found Flowers to be very supportive and genuine.

Football Star's Humility

Flowers played for the Patriots from 2015-18, then played with the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins before signing with New England again in 2023. He was released that same year.

Despite a foot injury, which has kept him from being 100%, Flowers remains optimistic about his future.

His determination to keep trying is a testament to his resilience and dedication.

"He's a very solid dude, very humble, very chill," Gilmete said. "Meeting him was an unforgettable experience."

Courtesy John Gilmete
Courtesy John Gilmete
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Flowers' New Bedford visit is a reminder that no matter how high someone rises, staying grounded and connected to the community is key.

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