How Oklahoma State safety Sean Michael Flanagan thrives with football, fishing
STILLWATER — Sean Flanagan floated in the clear, blue water of the Caribbean in awe of his son nearly 30 feet below.
Sean Michael Flanagan was going to catch the lobster at the end of his dive.
Even the professional free-diving instructor was impressed as Oklahoma State’s safety dove 30 feet, spotted the crustacean, came up and dove back down for it, catching the lobster on the first try.
“It was a trip,” Sean said. “His determination, man …”
He paused to think more of the May vacation with his son.
“When he goes all in on anything, it’s 100%,” Sean added.
Like fishing. Like football.
For Sean Michael Flanagan, there is rarely anything better. He’s enjoyed fishing his entire life, never turning down a new adventure.
More:Why Oklahoma State football coaches couldn't lie about mismatch vs. Savannah State in 2012
And he’s finally getting his chance on the football field with the Cowboys.
Through two games this season, the redshirt senior has been a big factor in a new-look secondary. He’s now a starter when No. 8-ranked OSU hosts FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. Saturday.
“It means I’ve progressed since I got here,” Flanagan said.
Flanagan has eight tackles while splitting time with sophomore Kendal Daniels, who was listed as the starter on the initial depth chart before Flanagan took over the role.
Also a special teams star, Flanagan has emerged as a leader as well.
“It's the Moneyball effect,” OSU defensive coordinator Derek Mason said. “He's one of those guys who's been in the program, played on special teams, was sort of a Swiss Army knife when somebody went down and somebody had to step up.
“I think now, he's a phenomenal athlete. He's just growing into his own. There are gonna be guys this season who maybe had smaller roles that are having to step into bigger roles. He's one of those guys. Not only is he having to take a bigger role on special teams, but he's having to take a greater role within the defense, because he's played in it. He has experience.”
This is what Flanagan envisioned from a young age.
He started playing football in the second grade in Charleston, Arkansas, 23 miles southeast of Fort Smith.
There is just one stoplight. The population is just shy of 3,000 people.
And football is the lifeblood.
More:Barry Hinson, Brand Squad have Oklahoma State's NIL rising: 'Haven’t even started to climb yet'
Friday nights are a spectacle. The entire community shuts down and attends each game.
Flanagan was a beloved three-sport star. But he especially excelled on a football field.
He played safety and linebacker. He played receiver, running back and even quarterback in certain packages. He punted. He returned punts and kickoffs.
All while leading Charleston deep into the playoffs, even making the title game as a junior.
“Sean did anything and everything he wanted to in football,” former Charleston coach Greg Kendrick said. “You always hear the expression, ‘Jack of all trades, master of none.’ Well, Sean was a Jack of all trades and master of all.”
Flanagan initially committed to Arkansas in high school. A lifelong Razorbacks fan, it was a dream come true.
Then head coach Bret Bielema was fired.
Flanagan reopened his recruitment after his senior year and ultimately signed with the Cowboys. And he immediately faced the wrath of Razorbacks fans until Charleston began firing back online to fans.
“It was really disheartening,” Sean Flanagan said. “The whole town came to his defense and just shut them all down. It was a unique time.”
Flanagan immediately found comfort in Stillwater.
Though the population is more than 16 times larger with more than 50,000 people, Flanagan fit right in on and off the field.
More:Will Oklahoma State football's Gunnar Gundy throw first career pass as a Cowboy?
With the Cowboys, he battled injuries his second year. He became a primary special teams player.
Still, there were times when he considered leaving in the transfer portal. Flanagan and his father had serious conversations about it. Ultimately, Flanagan wanted to stay.
“We know at the end of the day education is paid for and he’s getting a once-in-a-lifetime experience no matter what,” Sean said. “I’ve just always tried to raise him to be thankful and humble. No matter the situation, there’s always good in anything.”
Flanagan found the good at OSU, it just took more time than hoped.
“He keeps his head down and doesn’t really say much,” OSU safety Thomas Harper said. “But he’s a key piece to this defense. He’s just a good example of everybody else to look up to and follow.”
Away from the field, Flanagan is right at home.
An avid fisherman, he often fishes with tight end Braden Cassity, who has a boat Flanagan “labels over the top” because it has a mud motor and eight LED lights.
“Thank goodness because now I get to get on it,” Flanagan joked.
Flanagan is unafraid of new fishing methods. He recently did handline fishing for catfish, simply because he was tired of using a rod and reel.
More:Why Mike Gundy says Oklahoma State football team has 'like 10-year vets in the NFL'
He’s considered noodling. He loves bow fishing.
The adrenaline each time is a rush. But it’s also a nice getaway.
Each Monday during the fall, fishing is his outlet.
Sometimes, the destination is Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn’s pond. Or it’s a river, usually the Cimarron, Arkansas or Illinois.
All have fish. None have football.
“I get to free myself,” Flanagan said.
On those Mondays — OSU’s scheduled off day each week of the season — he escapes and resets.
It’s the perfect hobby for a stoic, small-town college football player.
“Get to get away, get away from football, which isn’t always a bad thing,” Flanagan said.
Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State's Sean Michael Flanagan thrives with football, fishing
