Phillips was born in 1991 in Duncanville, Texas as one of five children to a mother named Cassandra. His siblings include Zion, Asia, Tara, and Jack. Phillips graduated in 2008 from Duncanville High School where he played football as a defensive back. In high school football, Phillips earned several accolades including Most Valuable Player as well as 2008 Defensive Back of the Year in District 8-5A. He was also part of the District Championship team in 2008. During his senior year, Phillips was team captain. He lettered three years in both football and track.[1]
College career
Phillips committed to Tarleton State University. After redshirting in 2009, Phillips played the following year, recording 26 unassisted tackles out of a total of 44. He recorded 5 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble. During the 2011 season Phillips tied for No. 3 all-time in the school's history with most interceptions. He received the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and led the conference and team with 7 interceptions and 15 passes defended. He was named First-team All-LSC and Named First-team All-Super Region Four. In his final year Phillips recorded 19 unassisted tackles out of a total of 32 and recorded 8 pass breakups, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble. While attending Tarleton State, Phillips majored in kinesiology.[2]
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
After going unselected in the 2014 NFL draft, Phillips signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a college free agent on May 12, 2014.[3] He was waived on August 28.
The Jets waived/injured him on September 1, 2015.[5] He was waived off the team's injured reserve with a settlement on September 5, 2015.
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins signed Phillips to their practice squad on September 15, 2015.[6] He was promoted to the active roster on November 27 to replace Chris Culliver, who was placed on the team's injured reserve.[7] On January 3, 2016, he left the last game of the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys with a severe neck injury. He was carted off and transported to a local hospital where he had feeling in all extremities.[8]
Phillips was waived on November 12, 2016 and was re-signed to the practice squad three days later.[9][10] He was promoted back to the active roster on December 2, 2016.[11] On December 5, Phillips was once again released by the Redskins and re-signed to the practice squad.[12][13] He was promoted back to the active roster on December 22, 2016.[14]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On August 23, 2017, Phillips was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Lucas Crowley.[15] He was waived on September 2, 2017, and was signed to the Steelers' practice squad the next day.[16][17] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 15, 2018.[18]
On September 1, 2018, Phillips was released by the Steelers.[19]
Dallas Renegades
In 2019, Phillips was selected by the Dallas Renegades in the 2020 XFL Draft.[20] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[21]
