Phillips had committed to play college football at Western Michigan, but was ruled academically ineligible. He spent a year away from football and took online courses at Mott Community College before enrolling at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas.[1] As a freshman, he recorded 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. Phillips finished his sophomore season with 95 tackles as the Broncbusters won the 2016 NJCAA National Football Championship. He initially committed to transfer to Arizona for the final two seasons of his eligibility, but changed his commitment to Illinois.[2]
Phillips was named a starter at linebacker going into his first season at Illinois and finished the season as the Fighting Illini's leading tackler with 85.[3] He was voted a team captain as a senior and again led the team with 95 tackles and also interceptions with four and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference.[4]
On October 30, 2019, Phillips was signed to the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.[8] He spent the remainder of the season on the practice squad. On January 6, 2020, Phillips signed a futures contract with the team.[9]
On September 13, Phillips made his NFL debut in the Bills' season opener against the New York Jets and suffered a quadriceps injury.[10] He was placed on injured reserve on October 12,[11] activated on November 7,[12] and placed back on injured reserve on November 13.[13]
On January 19, 2021, Phillips was waived by the Bills.[14] He played in two games with the Bills, all 14 of his snaps coming on special teams.[15]
New York Jets
On March 23, 2021, Phillips signed with the Jets.[16] On August 31, he was waived by the Jets and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[17][18] He was promoted to the active roster on September 21.[19]
On August 30, 2022, Phillips was waived by the Jets as part of final roster cuts.[20]
Baltimore Ravens
On August 31, 2022, Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens.[21] On March 19, 2023, Phillips re–signed on a one-year deal with the Ravens.[22]
Houston Texans
On March 15, 2024, Phillips signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans as an unrestricted free agent.[23]
Los Angeles Chargers
On March 14, 2025, Phillips signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.[24] On August 26, he was released by the Chargers as part of final roster cuts and re-signed the following day when cornerback Eric Rogers was placed on injured reserve.[25][26]
