Lonnie Phelps Jr. Bio
Lonnie Phelps Jr., born on August 24, 2000, is an American professional football defensive end currently playing in the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 241 pounds, Phelps has built his career through persistence after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He is recognized for his pass-rushing ability and has competed at both the NFL and UFL levels.
Phelps began his collegiate career with the Miami RedHawks before transferring to the Kansas Jayhawks, where he earned All-Big 12 honors. After brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and several UFL teams, he continues to pursue his professional football career in the spring league.
Early Life and Background
Lonnie Phelps Jr. was born on August 24, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in the same city and attended Mount Healthy High School in Ohio, where he developed his skills as a defensive lineman. Coming out of high school, Phelps was rated as a two-star recruit by major scouting services, which meant he had to work harder to earn opportunities at the college level.
Despite his modest recruiting rating, Phelps remained committed to his goal of playing college football. He chose to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he joined the Miami RedHawks football program. His Cincinnati roots and Ohio upbringing shaped his development as a young athlete, and his path through smaller programs before reaching bigger stages reflects a determined mindset.
Path to American Football
Phelps began his collegiate journey with the Miami RedHawks, where he quickly made an impact on the defensive line. As a freshman, he played in all 13 of the RedHawks’ games and recorded 4.5 sacks, an impressive number for a first-year player. His early production earned him more responsibility in the seasons that followed.
During his sophomore year, Phelps was named third-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC), and as a junior he earned second-team All-MAC honors after finishing with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Following that strong junior season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately chose the Kansas Jayhawks to finish his college career. At Kansas, he recorded seven sacks in 2022 and was named second-team All-Big 12 Conference before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Lonnie Phelps Jr. started his college career with the Miami RedHawks from 2019 through 2021. As a freshman in 2019, he appeared in all 13 games and made an immediate impression with 4.5 sacks. His combination of size and quickness off the edge gave Miami a dependable pass-rushing option early in his development.
By his sophomore and junior seasons, Phelps had become one of the top defensive linemen in the MAC. His third-team All-MAC selection in 2020 and second-team All-MAC selection in 2021 reflected his steady growth. The decision to transfer after his junior season was driven by a desire to compete at a higher level of college football.
Kansas Jayhawks Breakthrough (2022)
Phelps joined the Kansas Jayhawks for the 2022 season and quickly adapted to the Big 12 Conference. Playing against higher-level competition, he produced seven sacks and was recognized as a second-team All-Big 12 selection. His performance showed that his production at Miami could translate against stronger offensive lines.
Following the 2022 season, Phelps announced that he would enter the 2023 NFL Draft. His time at Kansas served as a launching pad for his professional career, validating his decision to transfer and giving him a stronger platform in front of NFL scouts.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Lonnie Phelps Jr. signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent on May 12, 2023. He was waived on August 29, 2023, but was signed to the team’s practice squad the following day, keeping him within the organization.
On January 15, 2024, Phelps signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns. His time with Cleveland ended on June 20, 2024, when he was waived following a recent DUI arrest in Key West, Florida. The off-field incident cut short his NFL opportunity and led him to seek a fresh start in the UFL.
San Antonio Brahmas Era (2025)
On February 22, 2025, Lonnie Phelps Jr. signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL), beginning his transition to the spring league. The move gave him a chance to continue playing professional football and showcase his skills on a new stage.
Phelps was released by the Brahmas on May 12, 2025, ending a brief but important chapter with the team. Despite the short stay, the experience helped him adjust to the speed and style of the UFL.
Houston Roughnecks and Gamblers Era (2025–2026)
Shortly after his release from San Antonio, Lonnie Phelps Jr. signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL on May 27, 2025. The franchise later rebranded as the Houston Gamblers, and Phelps continued his role as a defensive end with the team. He was released on March 19, 2026, but was re-signed on April 1, 2026, signaling the organization’s continued belief in his talent.
During this period, Phelps contributed to a defensive unit that helped the franchise capture a UFL championship in 2026, marking one of the most significant achievements of his professional career.
Louisville Kings Era (2026–Present)
On May 4, 2026, Lonnie Phelps Jr. was traded to the Louisville Kings in exchange for JaVonta Payton. The trade moved him to a new organization within the UFL and presented another opportunity to contribute as a defensive end.
Phelps currently plays for the Louisville Kings, where he continues to pursue his professional career. His journey through multiple teams reflects the resilience required to remain active in professional football after going undrafted.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lonnie Phelps Jr. is known for his quick first step and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks from the edge. At 6 feet 2 inches and 241 pounds, he combines leverage with active hands to disengage from blockers. His pass-rushing instincts were evident throughout his college career, where he consistently produced sacks and tackles for loss.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Lonnie Phelps Jr.’s career came in 2026, when he was part of the UFL championship team with the Houston Gamblers. Other notable milestones include his second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2022 and his second-team All-MAC selection in 2021. His path from a two-star recruit to a professional champion reflects years of steady improvement.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Career Wins
Lonnie Phelps Jr. has accumulated notable achievements across his college and professional career, including conference honors and a UFL championship. While individual sack totals are best tracked through official league statistics, his awards and team success highlight his contributions as a defensive end.
UFL Highlights
Lonnie Phelps Jr. was part of the Houston Roughnecks/Gamblers organization that won the UFL championship in 2026. His contributions along the defensive line helped the team reach that milestone. Following the championship run, he was traded to the Louisville Kings, where he continues his professional career.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Phelps earned third-team All-MAC honors in 2020, second-team All-MAC honors in 2021, and second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022. These selections represent the strongest honors of his collegiate career and underscore his consistent production against high-level competition.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Lonnie Phelps Jr. was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Mount Healthy High School. Public information about his immediate family remains limited, and details about his parents and siblings have not been widely reported.
Personal Life
On June 19, 2024, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence in Key West, Florida, after he crashed his SUV into a restaurant and refused to cooperate with police. The incident became a notable off-field event and contributed to his release from the Cleveland Browns. Further public details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Lonnie Phelps Jr.’s transition into the United Football League. He began the year by signing with the San Antonio Brahmas on February 22, 2025, marking his first opportunity in the spring league after his NFL release. Although his time with the Brahmas was brief, the experience allowed him to remain active in professional football.
After being released by San Antonio on May 12, 2025, Phelps quickly caught on with the Houston Roughnecks on May 27, 2025. The move gave him a stable home for the remainder of the season and allowed him to focus on his development as a defensive end in the UFL.
Looking ahead, Phelps aimed to build on his strong finish with Houston and position himself for a larger role in 2026. His journey through multiple teams in 2025 reflected both the challenges and the persistence that have defined his professional career so far.