Phil Hoskins Bio
Phil Hoskins is an American professional football defensive end for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Kentucky and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft. Hoskins has earned a Super Bowl championship ring as part of his professional career and continues to compete at the professional level.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, Hoskins fits the prototypical build of a defensive end. Since entering the NFL in 2021, he has spent time with multiple organizations, gaining experience on both active rosters and practice squads. His career path reflects the journeyman nature of many late-round draft picks who work to extend their playing days across several teams and leagues.
Early Life and Background
Phil Hoskins was born on January 2, 1997, in Toledo, Ohio, United States. He grew up in the Toledo area, a region with a strong tradition of producing football talent. His size and athletic ability became apparent during his youth, and he developed his skills as a defensive lineman through local youth and high school programs.
Hoskins attended Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio, where he played high school football. His performance on the defensive line drew attention from college recruiters, and he eventually committed to play college football at the University of Kentucky. His high school years laid the foundation for the physical and technical skills he would refine at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Following his time at Whitmer, Hoskins enrolled at the University of Kentucky, where he played college football from 2016 to 2020. At Kentucky, he developed into a defensive lineman within the Southeastern Conference, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. His college career gave him the visibility needed to be considered by NFL scouts.
Hoskins entered the 2021 NFL draft and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round with the 232nd overall pick. As a late-round selection, he faced a challenging road to a roster spot, but his combination of size, experience, and SEC pedigree gave him an opportunity to compete at the next level. His selection marked the transition from collegiate player to professional football athlete.
Phil Hoskins Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Phil Hoskins signed his four-year rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers on May 13, 2021. As a seventh-round pick, he worked to carve out a role on the defensive line while adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. He appeared in regular season games during his rookie and sophomore seasons, contributing to the Panthers defensive rotation.
On November 27, 2021, Hoskins was placed on the Panthers COVID-19 reserve list alongside three teammates, an experience shared by many players during that period. He recorded his first career sack against Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a 33–10 loss, providing an early career highlight. On October 22, 2022, Hoskins was waived by the Panthers and re-signed to the practice squad, signaling the end of his initial stint in Carolina.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2022–2023)
On January 12, 2023, Hoskins signed with the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. Joining the Chiefs late in the 2022 season gave him the opportunity to be part of a championship-caliber roster. He won his first Super Bowl ring when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, capping a remarkable late-season addition to the team.
Following the Super Bowl victory, Hoskins re-signed with the Chiefs on March 24, 2023, to continue his tenure in Kansas City. His time with the organization demonstrated the value of practice squad contributors during a championship run. On August 29, 2023, Hoskins was waived by the Chiefs, beginning the next phase of his professional journey.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–2024)
After his release from Kansas City, Hoskins signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on October 3, 2023. He continued his pattern of moving between practice squad and active roster opportunities. On December 27, 2023, he was signed to the active roster, providing a brief stretch on the main team before the season ended.
Hoskins was waived by the Cardinals on August 27, 2024, ending his time in Arizona. His Cardinals tenure reflected the difficult reality faced by many late-round defensive linemen, who often move between rosters and practice squads as teams manage their depth charts. Through it all, he continued to build relationships and gain experience across different defensive systems.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2024)
Hoskins signed with the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys on August 29, 2024, just two days after being released by the Cardinals. Joining the Cowboys organization offered him another chance to compete at a high level within a storied franchise. His time in Dallas was brief, however, as he was released on October 16, 2024.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2025)
On January 14, 2025, Hoskins signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League, beginning a new chapter in his career in the spring football league. The UFL has provided a platform for many former NFL players to continue their careers in a competitive environment. His move to the Battlehawks represented a transition to a league focused on spring football and continued professional opportunity.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 5 inches and 280 pounds, Hoskins brings the size and length desired in a defensive end. His experience across multiple NFL organizations has given him exposure to varied defensive schemes and coaching philosophies. His career journey through practice squads and active rosters has required adaptability, perseverance, and a team-first approach to roster competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Phil Hoskins’s most notable career milestone is winning Super Bowl LVII as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2022 season. He also recorded his first career NFL sack against Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during his time with the Carolina Panthers. His transition to the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2025 marked another significant step in his professional football journey.
Phil Hoskins Career Wins
Phil Hoskins’s most prominent team achievement is his Super Bowl LVII championship earned with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has compiled regular season experience across multiple NFL franchises, appearing in games and contributing on the defensive line. His career totals include 14 total tackles and 1 sack as of the 2023 NFL season, reflecting his role in defensive rotations and special teams contributions.
Kansas City Chiefs Highlights
Hoskins joined the Chiefs practice squad in January 2023 and was part of the roster that defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. The victory provided him with his first Super Bowl ring, the centerpiece of his professional resume. He re-signed with the Chiefs the following March, briefly extending his championship tenure in Kansas City.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Super Bowl success, Hoskins recorded his first career sack against the Miami Dolphins while with the Carolina Panthers, an early highlight from his rookie and sophomore seasons. His continued presence in professional football, including his move to the UFL, reflects ongoing performance and durability across leagues and rosters.
2025 Season Performance
Phil Hoskins signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League on January 14, 2025, beginning his first season in spring professional football. The Battlehawks compete in a league designed to showcase both established veterans and emerging talent in a fast-paced, pass-oriented format. Hoskins’s role on the defensive line will be central to the team’s effort to compete in the UFL standings.
Throughout the 2025 UFL season, Hoskins brings NFL experience and a championship pedigree to a developing roster. His background with multiple NFL organizations, including a Super Bowl-winning team, provides a veteran presence in the locker room. Defensive line play, particularly in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, is expected to be an area where his experience can translate.
Looking ahead, Hoskins’s 2025 campaign with the St. Louis Battlehawks offers an opportunity to showcase his skills on a broader stage. His combination of size, prior professional experience, and championship experience makes him a notable addition to the UFL. The season represents both a fresh start and a continuation of his professional football career.
