Del’Shawn Phillips Bio
Del’Shawn Phillips is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 9, 1996, in Highland Park, Michigan, he has become known for his defensive skills on the field. Phillips had an impressive college career, during which he played for the Illinois Fighting Illini after starting out at Garden City Community College. Upon entering the NFL, he signed as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional journey in 2019 with the Atlanta Falcons.
Early Life and Background
Del’Shawn Phillips was born and raised in Highland Park, Michigan. He attended Cass Technical High School, where he began to develop his skills in football. Phillips initially committed to play college football at Western Michigan University but faced academic challenges that led him to take a year off from the sport. During this time, he took online courses at Mott Community College before transferring to Garden City Community College in Kansas. At Garden City, he made a significant impact as a freshman, recording 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks. His sophomore season was even more impressive, as he tallied 95 tackles and helped lead his team to win the 2016 NJCAA National Football Championship.
Path to American Football
After his successful tenure at Garden City Community College, Del’Shawn Phillips transferred to the University of Illinois. He was named a starter at linebacker in his first season and quickly established himself as a key player on the team, finishing the season as the Fighting Illini’s leading tackler with 85 tackles. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was voted team captain during his senior year, where he again led the team with 95 tackles and recorded four interceptions. Phillips’s college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL, where he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.
Del’Shawn Phillips Career
Early Career (2019)
Del’Shawn Phillips began his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons after signing as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2019. However, his time with the Falcons was short-lived as he was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019. Later that year, on October 30, Phillips was signed to the practice squad of the Buffalo Bills, where he spent the remainder of the season. He signed a futures contract with the Bills on January 6, 2020, but faced challenges in his debut season, suffering a quadriceps injury that limited his playing time.
Breakthrough (2020-2022)
Phillips’s breakthrough came during his time with the Buffalo Bills, where he made his NFL debut in the 2020 season opener against the New York Jets. Although he faced injuries that season, he continued to work hard and improve his game. In March 2021, he signed with the New York Jets, where he had a more stable role. After being waived by the Jets in August 2022, Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens, marking another step in his professional journey. He re-signed with the Ravens in March 2023, showcasing his determination to establish himself in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Del’Shawn Phillips has made significant contributions to the teams he has played for, including the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens. His defensive skills have been highlighted by his total tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles. As of Week 13 of the 2025 season, Phillips has recorded 91 total tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries, demonstrating his impact on the field.
Del’Shawn Phillips Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Del’Shawn Phillips has not received any notable award nominations, but his performance on the field continues to earn him recognition among fans and analysts alike.
Del’Shawn Phillips Awards Won
As of now, Del’Shawn Phillips has not won any major awards in his professional football career, but his contributions to his teams and consistent performance indicate a promising future in the NFL.
Del’Shawn Phillips Family
There is limited public information available regarding Del’Shawn Phillips’s family background, as he has kept his personal life relatively private.
Personal Life
Del’Shawn Phillips’s personal life details are not widely publicized. He remains focused on his career in professional football, currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, with a contract that extends through the 2026 season.