Shaun Phillips

Shaun Phillips
Shaun Phillips
Phillips with the Broncos in 2013
No. 95, 90, 55, 58
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1981-05-13) May 13, 1981 (age 43)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High school:Willingboro (Willingboro Township, New Jersey)
College:Purdue (2000–2003)
NFL draft:2004 / round: 4 / pick: 98
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:537
Sacks:81.5
Forced fumbles:22
Fumble recoveries:10
Interceptions:7
Defensive touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Shaun Jamal Phillips (born May 13, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft. Phillips also played for the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts.

Early life

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Phillips grew up in Willingboro, New Jersey and attended Willingboro High School, lettering in football, basketball, and track.[1][2] In football, he was an All-South Jersey selection,[3] and an All-State selection.[4]

College career

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Phillips accepted a scholarship offer to attend Purdue University following high school, choosing Purdue in part due to his desire to catch passes from quarterback Drew Brees as a tight end.[5]

After being forced to sit out his freshman season due to low standardized test scores, Phillips was immediately assigned to the defensive side of the ball, and started as a freshman at defensive end.[citation needed] He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention in each of his first three seasons.[6][better source needed]

As a senior, Phillips totaled 14.5 sacks, pushing his career total to 33.5, a school record,[7] highlighted by a 3.5 sack performance in Purdue's 26–23 win at Wisconsin Badgers. He was named a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten performer. Phillips started 49 consecutive games as a Boilermaker.[8]

Phillips was often used on offense as a tight end in goal line situations, and caught two touchdown passes during his career. He completed his collegiate career at Purdue University as the school's all-time leader with 33.5 career sacks while ranking third in team annals with 60.5 tackles for a loss.[9]

Shaun Phillips graduated from Purdue University in May 2003 with a degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management.[citation needed]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Bench press
6 ft 3 in
(1.91 m)
255 lb
(116 kg)
4.69 s 4.23 s 6.56 s 33 in
(0.84 m)
19 reps
All values from NFL Combine[10]

San Diego Chargers

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Phillips playing for the Chargers in 2009.

Phillips was selected by the Chargers 98th overall in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft and was the third Purdue player selected after Nick Hardwick and Stuart Schweigert, who both went in the third round.[11][12]

In his rookie season, Philips was used as a backup pass rush specialist. He earned his first NFL sack in his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.[13] He played in all 16 games and was tied for second on the team with four sacks.[14][15]

In the 2005 season, in the same role, Philips had seven sacks and three forced fumbles while playing alongside rookie sensation Shawne Merriman. He appeared in 15 games and started three.[16][17]

On April 14, 2006, Shaun Phillips was arrested after he scuffled with a patrol officer. Phillips, then 24, was booked into San Diego County jail on a charge of obstructing or resisting an officer in the performance of his duty. Phillips was freed after posting $10,000 bail, according to the Sheriff's Department.[18]

Prior to the 2006 season, Phillips had mostly been used as a pass rush specialist rather than an every-down linebacker. With the September 2006 shooting of teammate Steve Foley,[19] Phillips moved into the starting right outside linebacker spot previously occupied by Foley. He made an instant impact and finished his first season as a starter tied for ninth in sacks in the NFL despite missing two games with a mid-season calf injury.[20] He and Shawne Merriman produced 28 sacks as they formed one of the best pass rush in the NFL. Philips finished with 65 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six pass breakups and four forced fumbles despite missing two games with an ankle injury.[21][22]

Following the 2006 season, the Chargers signed Shaun Phillips to a six-year extension through 2012. The deal guaranteed him $13 million over the first two years. He was originally scheduled for restricted free agency.[23]

In his fourth season, he emerged as a leader on the defense.[24] In Week 15, against the Detroit Lions, he had a 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 51–14 victory.[25] He started in 15 games and tacked on 68 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two interceptions in the 2007 season.[26]

In Week 14 of the 2008 season against the Oakland Raiders, Phillips had 2.5 sacks in the 34–7 victory.[27] In the 2008 season, he appeared in 16 games with 16 starts. He recorded 76 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and four passes defended.[28]

In 2009, Philips led the NFL with a career-best seven forced fumbles in 2009 while leading San Diego to its fourth consecutive AFC West title.[29][30][31] Before the season, Phillips was cited for misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking a security guard in the face at a downtown hotel early Sunday morning. It was Phillips' second run-in with the law in three seasons.[32]

In the 2010 season, the pass rusher played in all 16 games and finished with 55 tackles and a team-high 11 sacks.[33][34] He registered an interception that he returned 31 yards for a touchdown in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals.[35] He was named to his first Pro Bowl.[36] He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after producing a career-high four sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown vs. Arizona[37] He was ranked 97th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[38]

Coming off a Pro Bowl year, Phillips was hurt and slowed by a lingering foot injury. He had 3.5 sacks, a career low, and two interceptions in 12 games and starts in the 2011 season.[39]

In the 2012 season, Phillips appeared in and started all 16 games. In Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had a defensive fumble recovery for a touchdown in the 31–13 victory.[40] In Week 11, against the Tennessee Titans, he recorded a safety on a sack of Peyton Manning in the 30–23 loss.[41] He had 9.5 sacks, 50 total tackles, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles.[42]

Denver Broncos

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On April 27, 2013, Phillips signed with the Denver Broncos.[43] On June 24, 2013, Phillips says he accepted less money to play for the Broncos. "That's why I came here, to be in this situation, to be with a team that is right there in the mix," Phillips said.[44]

In his debut as a Bronco, Phillips had 2.5 sacks on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.[45] In Week 8, Phillips intercepted Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, to seal the game for the Broncos.[46] On the season, he played in all 16 games, starting 12 (including the final 9 straight), finishing the season with 35 tackles (28 solo), 10 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, an interception, and five blocked passes.[47]

In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Phillips recorded two sacks in the 24–17 victory over the San Diego Chargers.[48] Phillips played in Super Bowl XLVIII against the Seattle Seahawks. He had four total tackles in the 43–8 loss.[49]

Tennessee Titans

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Phillips signed with the Tennessee Titans on March 28, 2014.[50] On November 25, 2014, Phillips was released by the Titans.[51]

Indianapolis Colts

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Phillips was signed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on November 26, 2014.[52] With both the Titans and the Colts, Phillips played in all 16 games and started one. He finished with two sacks, 24 total tackles, and two passes defended.[53] He was released on February 16, 2015.[54]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team G Comb Solo Ast Sacks FF FR INT PD
2004 SD 16 26 21 5 4.0 0 2 1 3
2005 SD 15 34 32 2 7.0 3 1 0 1
2006 SD 14 65 42 23 11.5 4 1 0 6
2007 SD 15 68 52 16 8.5 3 0 2 5
2008 SD 16 74 52 22 7.5 1 1 0 4
2009 SD 16 59 47 12 7.0 7 0 0 3
2010 SD 16 55 47 8 11.0 0 1 1 7
2011 SD 12 42 29 13 3.5 0 0 2 5
2012 SD 16 50 33 17 9.5 2 3 0 3
2013 DEN 16 35 28 7 10.0 2 0 1 5
2014 TEN 11 19 12 7 2.0 0 0 0 2
IND 5 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 168 532 399 133 81.5 22 9 7 44

References

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  1. ^ Frank, Martin (January 31, 2014). "Phillips, former Willingboro star, back home with Broncos in Super Bowl". Courier-Post. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  2. ^ O'Sullivan, Jeannie (June 17, 2011). "'You are part of a strong legacy'". Burlington County Times. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  3. ^ Hill, Cherry (August 23, 2007). "ALL-SOUTH JERSEY TEAMS". Courier-Post. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  4. ^ "Shaun Phillips FB". NJSports.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  5. ^ Posner, Jay (August 25, 2005). "Phillips gets A+ for belief in himself". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on May 9, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2009.
  6. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2003". BoilerUpload. July 16, 2003. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  7. ^ Morehouse, Marc (October 5, 2002). "The best pure football game in the Kirk Ferentz era". The Gazette. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  8. ^ Thompson, Ken (August 28, 2018). "Purdue football: Who Wore It Best Nos. 51-60". Journal and Courier. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  9. ^ Dienhart, Tom (March 27, 2020). "Catching up with Shaun Phillips". BoilerUpload. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  10. ^ Brandt, Gil (April 12, 2004). "Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Defensive Ends". Packers.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007.
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  19. ^ Wilkins, Sarah; Paris, Jay (September 4, 2006). "Chargers linebacker Steve Foley shot". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  22. ^ "2006 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  23. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (February 21, 2007). "Chargers reward Phillips for big year with 6-year deal". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  24. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (October 17, 2007). "Pasquarelli: Linebackers rediscovering big-play mojo". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  25. ^ "Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers - December 16th, 2007". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  27. ^ "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers - December 4th, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  29. ^ "2009 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  31. ^ "2009 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  32. ^ "Chargers LB Phillips cited for second incident in three years". Patriots.com. April 28, 2009. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  33. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  38. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  39. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2011 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  40. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers - November 1st, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  41. ^ "San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - November 18th, 2012". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  42. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  43. ^ "Shaun Phillips signs one-year Denver Broncos contract". NFL.com. April 27, 2013. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  44. ^ Gantt, Darin (June 24, 2013). "Shaun Phillips says he took less for Broncos". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  45. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos - September 5th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  46. ^ "Washington Redskins at Denver Broncos - October 27th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 23, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  47. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  48. ^ "Divisional Round - San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos - January 12th, 2014". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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  50. ^ Breech, John (March 27, 2014). "Report: Titans, DE Shaun Phillips agree to terms on 2-year deal". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  51. ^ Wyatt, Jim (November 25, 2014). "Titans plan to release LB Shaun Phillips, sources say". Tennessean.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2014.
  52. ^ Alper, Josh (November 26, 2014). "Shaun Phillps lands with Colts". NBCSports.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  53. ^ "Shaun Phillips 2014 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 27, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  54. ^ Gantt, Darin (February 16, 2015). "Colts release veteran outside linebacker Shaun Phillips". NBCSports.com. Archived from the original on August 6, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
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