Lonnie Phelps Jr. Bio
Lonnie Phelps Jr. is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Miami RedHawks and Kansas Jayhawks. Phelps began his collegiate career at Miami before transferring to Kansas, where he excelled with impressive statistics. Following his college career, he went undrafted but was signed by the Cleveland Browns and has since transitioned to the UFL.
Early Life and Background
Lonnie Phelps Jr. was born on August 24, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Mount Healthy High School, where he began to develop his skills in football. Phelps was rated as a two-star recruit during his high school career, which led him to commit to play college football for the Miami RedHawks at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. His early exposure to the sport and dedication to improving his game set the foundation for his future success.
Path to American Football
Phelps played in all 13 games during his freshman year at Miami, showcasing his talent with 4.5 sacks. His performance earned him recognition, and he was named third-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) at the end of his sophomore season. In his junior year, Phelps continued to impress, achieving second-team All-MAC honors after finishing the season with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. After his junior season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately transferred to the University of Kansas, where he further honed his skills.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
During his time at Kansas, Phelps had a standout season in 2022, recording seven sacks and earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. His college career was marked by significant achievements, including multiple All-MAC selections and a strong performance in the Big 12 Conference. After completing his college eligibility, Phelps declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, where he went undrafted but quickly signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent on May 12, 2023.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
After signing with the Cleveland Browns, Phelps faced challenges as he was waived on August 29, 2023, and subsequently signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on January 15, 2024. However, his time with the team was marred by a DUI arrest in June 2024, which led to his release. On February 22, 2025, Phelps signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL but was released shortly after. He then signed with the Houston Roughnecks, where he continues to play.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lonnie Phelps Jr. has made a name for himself in the football world with his impressive collegiate statistics and recognition as an All-Conference player. His transition to professional football has been marked by both challenges and opportunities, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Lonnie Phelps Jr. has received several nominations and honors, including multiple All-MAC selections and All-Big 12 recognition, highlighting his skills and contributions on the field.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Awards Won
Phelps has achieved notable accolades during his college career, including being named second-team All-Big 12 in 2022, second-team All-MAC in 2021, and third-team All-MAC in 2020. These awards reflect his talent and hard work as a defensive end.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Family
Information regarding Lonnie Phelps Jr.’s family is not publicly available, as he has kept his personal life private.
Personal Life
Lonnie Phelps Jr. has faced some legal challenges, including a DUI arrest in June 2024. This incident occurred in Key West, Florida, when he crashed his SUV into a restaurant and refused to cooperate with police. Despite these challenges, Phelps continues to focus on his football career and aims to make a significant impact in the UFL.