Phillip Dorsett Bio
Phillip Howard Dorsett II is an American professional football wide receiver currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 5, 1993, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dorsett has built a long career in professional football through hard work, versatility, and consistency. He first rose to national prominence as a first-round draft pick in 2015 and went on to win Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots in 2018.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, Dorsett has spent more than a decade moving between NFL rosters and practice squads, contributing as both a starter and a rotational player. Throughout his career, he has appeared for the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He is recognized as a reliable veteran pass catcher and a respected presence in NFL locker rooms.
Early Life and Background
Phillip Howard Dorsett II grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He quickly became a two-sport star, excelling in both football and track and field. As a wide receiver, he played for coach George Smith and developed a reputation for big plays and consistent production. During his junior year, Dorsett recorded 30 receptions for 594 yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top young receivers in the state.
As a senior, Dorsett elevated his game even further. He hauled in 35 receptions for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading St. Thomas Aquinas to an undefeated season and the Florida 5A football championship. The team also finished first in the Powerade Fab 50 ESPN Rise national poll, cementing Dorsett’s status as a national recruit. He also returned four kicks for touchdowns that year, showcasing his versatility as an all-around playmaker.
Beyond football, Dorsett was one of Florida’s top track and field athletes, competing in sprints and jumping events. He posted a personal best of 7.55 meters in the long jump and 14.59 meters in the triple jump. He also recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical jump at the Under Armour Combine, demonstrating the elite athletic ability that would later make him a first-round NFL draft pick.
Path to American Football
Dorsett was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the 45th prospect at his position by ESPNU. Despite receiving scholarship offers from several major programs, including Florida, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Georgia, he committed to the University of Miami to play college football. The decision allowed him to remain in his home state while continuing to develop under one of the country’s most respected football programs.
At Miami, Dorsett made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2011, appearing in 12 games and recording 14 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore in 2012, he broke out as a full-time starter, leading the team with 58 receptions for 842 yards and four touchdowns. His junior season was cut short by a knee injury, limiting him to seven games, but he returned strong as a senior in 2014. That year, he started all 13 games and posted 36 receptions for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Second-team All-ACC honors.
Dorsett also continued his track and field career at Miami, where he competed in the 60-meter dash and posted a personal best of 6.80 seconds. He finished his college career with 121 receptions for 2,132 yards and 17 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in Hurricanes history. His strong senior season and elite testing numbers made him a clear first-round NFL prospect heading into the 2015 draft.
Phillip Dorsett Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Dorsett was selected 29th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2015 NFL draft, a surprise pick given the team’s existing depth at wide receiver. The selection reportedly upset some Colts players who believed the team should have addressed defensive needs. Undeterred, Dorsett signed a four-year contract on May 27, 2015, and quickly began working to earn his place on the field.
During his rookie season, Dorsett caught his first NFL touchdown in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans on a 35-yard reception from quarterback Andrew Luck. He finished the year with 18 receptions for 225 yards and a touchdown across 11 games. In 2016, he took on a larger role, posting 33 receptions for 528 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games with seven starts. One of his most memorable moments that season came when he caught a career-long 64-yard touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
New England Patriots Era (2017–2019)
On September 2, 2017, Dorsett was traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. He made his Patriots debut five days later and finished his first season with 12 receptions for 194 yards. During the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dorsett caught a key 31-yard flea-flicker pass from Tom Brady, helping New England reach Super Bowl LII, where the Patriots fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 41–33.
The following season proved to be the high point of Dorsett’s career. He opened 2018 with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans and finished the regular season with 32 catches for 290 yards and three touchdowns. In the playoffs, Dorsett caught a touchdown in both the divisional round against the Los Angeles Chargers and the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots went on to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 in Super Bowl LIII, earning Dorsett a championship ring.
After re-signing with New England on a one-year deal in March 2019, Dorsett posted his strongest statistical season, finishing with 29 receptions for 397 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He opened the year with four catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Despite sustaining a head injury late in the season, he remained a reliable contributor in the Patriots’ offense.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025–Present)
After spending time with several organizations between 2020 and 2024, including the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, and Atlanta Falcons, Dorsett returned to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. He signed with the team on July 22, 2025, and was later released before being re-signed to the practice squad on September 5, 2025. On January 5, 2026, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, securing his place on the roster heading into the new league year.
Dorsett’s return to the Raiders reflects his value as an experienced veteran who can contribute on offense and provide leadership in the locker room. His track record of playing in big games, including a Super Bowl victory, makes him a trusted addition for a team looking to build depth at the wide receiver position.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Dorsett’s career came in Super Bowl LIII, when he was part of the New England Patriots team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 to win the championship. He also caught playoff touchdowns in both the divisional round and the AFC Championship Game that same postseason, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Throughout his career, Dorsett has tallied 151 receptions for 2,001 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns across his NFL appearances.
Phillip Dorsett Career Highlights
Across more than a decade in the NFL, Phillip Howard Dorsett II has built a reputation as a dependable and versatile wide receiver. His career highlights include a Super Bowl championship with the New England Patriots in 2018, a Second-team All-ACC selection in 2014, and consistent production as both a starter and rotational player. Dorsett’s ability to contribute on offense, special teams, and in the locker room has allowed him to remain active in the league far longer than many of his draft classmates.
Indianapolis Colts Highlights
During his time with the Indianapolis Colts from 2015 to 2016, Dorsett appeared in 26 games and totaled 51 receptions for 753 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His first NFL touchdown, a 35-yard reception from Andrew Luck, came during his rookie season. His career-long 64-yard touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 remains one of the most memorable plays of his early career.
New England Patriots Highlights
Dorsett spent three seasons with the New England Patriots from 2017 to 2019, appearing in regular season and postseason games. He finished his Patriots tenure with 73 receptions for 881 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. His most significant postseason contributions came during the 2018 playoff run, when he caught touchdowns in consecutive games to help New England capture Super Bowl LIII.
Phillip Dorsett Family
Personal Life
Phillip Howard Dorsett II was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he developed his passion for football and track and field. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School before going on to play college football at the University of Miami. Throughout his professional career, Dorsett has remained connected to his roots in South Florida while playing for organizations across the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Dorsett returned to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, signing with the team on July 22 before being released and re-signed to the practice squad on September 5. His experience and familiarity with the organization made him a steady presence as the team built its wide receiver depth throughout the season. On January 5, 2026, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, ensuring he would remain part of the organization heading into the next phase of the offseason.
While serving primarily in a depth role, Dorsett has continued to contribute to the Raiders through his veteran leadership and understanding of offensive systems. His championship experience and track record of clutch performances remain valuable assets for a team looking to develop its younger pass catchers.
Looking ahead, Dorsett is expected to compete for a spot on the Raiders’ active roster as the team prepares for the upcoming season. His combination of speed, route-running ability, and locker room presence makes him a strong candidate to extend his NFL career well into its second decade.