Del’Shawn Phillips Bio
Del’Shawn Phillips is an American professional football linebacker who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 9, 1996, in Highland Park, Michigan, he is currently a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 230 pounds, Phillips has built his career as an inside linebacker through perseverance, special teams work, and the ability to contribute on multiple defenses around the league.
After beginning his college journey at Garden City Community College in Kansas, Phillips transferred to the University of Illinois, where he developed into one of the Big Ten Conference’s most productive tacklers. He entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has since played for six organizations, carving out a steady role as a reserve defender and core special teams player.
Early Life and Background
Del’Shawn Phillips grew up in Highland Park, Michigan, a suburb in the Detroit metropolitan area. He attended Cass Technical High School, a well-known Detroit public school recognized for both academics and athletics. Growing up in a competitive football environment, Phillips developed an early passion for the defensive side of the game and worked hard to earn recognition as a linebacker prospect.
Although he was a talented high school player, Phillips did not receive the scholarship offers that some of his peers attracted. After completing his prep career at Cass Tech, he faced the same challenges that many aspiring college players encounter. Those early experiences shaped his work ethic and his willingness to take the longer route to the professional level.
Path to American Football
Phillips originally committed to play college football at Western Michigan University, but he was ruled academically ineligible before he could enroll. The setback forced him to spend a year away from organized football, during which he completed online courses through Mott Community College to get his academic standing in order.
He then enrolled at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas, where he joined the Broncbusters football program. As a freshman, Phillips recorded 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks, showing the kind of disruptive ability that scouts look for in a modern linebacker. After that strong start, he finished his sophomore season with 95 tackles and helped Garden City win the 2016 NJCAA National Football Championship.
Phillips initially committed to transfer to the University of Arizona for his final two seasons of eligibility, but he changed his commitment and signed with the University of Illinois instead. The decision to join the Fighting Illini proved to be the launching pad for his professional career.
Del’Shawn Phillips Career
College Career
Phillips arrived at Illinois and was named a starting linebacker going into his first season with the program. He finished that year as the team’s leading tackler with 85 stops, immediately establishing himself as a defensive leader. His production earned him the respect of the coaching staff and positioned him as a building block for the defense going forward.
As a senior, Phillips was voted a team captain and once again led the Fighting Illini in tackles, recording 95 stops along with 4 interceptions. His strong senior campaign earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference recognition. Although he was not selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, his college résumé was strong enough to attract interest from several NFL teams.
Atlanta Falcons (2019)
On April 29, 2019, Phillips signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, taking his first step into the professional ranks. He took part in the team’s offseason program and rookie minicamp in Flowery Branch, Georgia. His time with the Falcons was brief, however, as he was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.
Buffalo Bills (2019–2020)
Just one month later, on October 30, 2019, Phillips was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. He spent the remainder of that season developing on the practice squad and signed a futures contract with the team on January 6, 2020. Phillips made his official NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the Bills’ season opener against the New York Jets, but the game ended early for him after he suffered a quadriceps injury.
He was placed on injured reserve on October 12, activated on November 7, and returned to injured reserve again on November 13. When healthy, all 14 of his defensive snaps in two games came on special teams. On January 19, 2021, Phillips was waived by the Bills, opening the door for the next chapter of his career.
New York Jets (2021)
Phillips signed with the New York Jets on March 23, 2021, looking for a fresh opportunity closer to the field. He was waived on August 31 as part of final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On September 21, he was promoted to the active roster, giving him another chance to contribute in regular-season action.
His stint with the Jets gave him valuable experience in defensive packages and on special teams coverage units. He remained with the organization through the 2021 season before being waived again at the end of the 2022 preseason on August 30, 2022.
Baltimore Ravens (2022–2023)
One day after being let go by the Jets, on August 31, 2022, Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens. He joined one of the league’s top defensive organizations and contributed on special teams while learning from a veteran coaching staff. On March 19, 2023, he re-signed with the Ravens on a one-year deal, securing another season in Baltimore.
Houston Texans (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Phillips signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans as an unrestricted free agent. He joined a young Texans defense that was beginning to show signs of growth under a new coaching staff. His veteran presence and special teams reliability made him a useful addition to the roster during the 2024 campaign.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Phillips signed a one-year, 2 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, beginning his current chapter in the NFL. On August 26, he was released as part of final roster cuts but was re-signed the following day when cornerback Eric Rogers was placed on injured reserve. Phillips continues to compete for a spot on the Chargers’ roster while contributing on special teams and as a depth linebacker.
Driving Style and Strengths
Phillips is best known for his instincts as a run-defending linebacker and his reliability on special teams coverage units. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to read plays quickly, fill gaps against the run, and contribute on every down of the kicking game. Coaches across multiple organizations have valued his preparation, tackling consistency, and locker-room leadership.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the standout moments of Phillips’ career are his 95-tackle senior season at Illinois, his contribution to the 2016 NJCAA National Football Championship at Garden City Community College, and his official NFL debut with the Buffalo Bills in 2020. Being claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 and signing a 2 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 also rank as important professional milestones.
Del’Shawn Phillips Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Del’Shawn Phillips grew up in Highland Park, Michigan, and attended Cass Technical High School in nearby Detroit. Public information about his immediate family is limited, and details about parents or siblings are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Phillips keeps his personal life largely private. Verified public information about a spouse, partner, or children has not been released. He continues to focus on his NFL career, currently as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a fresh start for Del’Shawn Phillips with the Los Angeles Chargers after signing a one-year, 2 million dollar contract in March. He joined a defense looking to add veteran depth at linebacker and a dependable presence on special teams. Although he was briefly released on August 26, his quick re-signing the following day underscored how much value the Chargers placed on his skill set.
Through the early portion of the season, Phillips has been competing for a role in defensive packages and on all four special teams units. His experience with six different NFL organizations has given him a wide-ranging understanding of different schemes, which fits well with the Chargers’ defensive philosophy. Coaches have pointed to his preparation and consistency as reasons he remains in the mix.
Looking ahead, Phillips will continue to push for a stable role on the active roster as the season progresses. With his contract running through the end of the 2025 campaign, every game represents an opportunity to extend his NFL career into 2026 and beyond.