Del’Shawn Phillips is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born October 9, 1996, in Highland Park, Michigan, he has established himself as a reliable defender in professional football. After an impressive college career at the University of Illinois following his time at Garden City Community College, Phillips entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019. He has since built a solid professional career spanning multiple teams, including the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans before joining the Chargers. The Second-team All-Pro recognition in 2025 highlights his development into a dependable linebacker, with career statistics including 113 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries as of the 2025 season.
Del’Shawn Phillips Early Life and Background
Del’Shawn Phillips grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Cass Technical High School. His journey to Division I football faced an early obstacle when he committed to play at Western Michigan but was ruled academically ineligible. This setback led Phillips to spend a year away from football while taking online courses at Mott Community College. The time away from the sport helped him refocus, and he enrolled at Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas, for the 2015 season.
At Garden City Community College, Phillips played for the Broncbusters and quickly made an impact as a freshman. He recorded 72 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks during his first season. His sophomore campaign proved even more successful, as he accumulated 95 tackles while helping the Broncbusters win the 2016 NJCAA National Football Championship. Following his championship season, Phillips initially committed to transfer to Arizona for his final two seasons of eligibility but changed his commitment to the University of Illinois.
Del’Shawn Phillips Path to American Football
Phillips arrived at the University of Illinois in 2017 and immediately earned a starting position at linebacker. His first season with the Fighting Illini saw him finish as the team’s leading tackler with 85 tackles, demonstrating his ability to compete at the FBS level. His performance earned him recognition as a promising young defender in the Big Ten Conference.
Prior to his senior season, Phillips was named a team captain, reflecting the respect he had earned from coaches and teammates. During his final collegiate season in 2018, he again led the team in tackles with 95 and added four interceptions. His consistent production and leadership earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference honors, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and versatile linebacker. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Phillips signed with the Atlanta Falcons to begin his professional career.
Del’Shawn Phillips Career
Early Career (2019)
Phillips signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2019. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason but was waived on August 31 during final roster cuts. The Falcons’ decision sent Phillips into free agency, where he would soon find an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills (2019–2021)
On October 30, 2019, Phillips signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad. He remained on the practice squad for the remainder of his first NFL season. On January 6, 2020, he signed a futures contract with the Bills, securing his place on the roster for the 2020 season. On September 13, 2020, Phillips made his NFL debut in the Bills season opener against the New York Jets, though he suffered a quadriceps injury during the game.
The injury proved problematic as Phillips was placed on injured reserve on October 12. He was activated on November 7 but placed back on injured reserve just six days later on November 13. Phillips played in two games with the Bills, with all 14 of his snaps coming on special teams. On January 19, 2021, he was waived by the Bills.
New York Jets (2021–2022)
On March 23, 2021, Phillips signed with the New York Jets. He competed for playing time in the Jets linebacker rotation during training camp. On August 31, 2021, he was waived during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His strong performance in practice earned him a promotion to the active roster on September 21, 2021. On August 30, 2022, Phillips was waived by the Jets as part of final roster cuts.
Baltimore Ravens (2022–2023)
Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens on August 31, 2022. Joining a Ravens defense known for its physicality and strong linebacker play, Phillips contributed on special teams and in limited defensive snaps. On March 19, 2023, he re-signed with the Ravens on a one-year contract, choosing to remain with the organization for another season.
Houston Texans (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Phillips signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans as an unrestricted free agent. The move to Houston gave him an opportunity to join a Texans defense in transition. He played the 2024 season with the Texans before becoming a free agent again in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025–Present)
On March 14, 2025, Phillips signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The signing represented an opportunity to join a Chargers team with playoff aspirations. On August 26, 2025, he was released during final roster cuts but was re-signed the following day when cornerback Eric Rogers was placed on injured reserve. Phillips made an immediate impact with the Chargers, earning Second-team All-Pro honors in 2025 for his standout defensive performance.
On March 11, 2026, Phillips re-signed with the Chargers on a two-year, $7.5 million contract, securing his future with the organization through the 2027 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Phillips is known for his physicality and consistency as an inside linebacker. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to flow to the ball effectively, making him a reliable tackler in both run defense and pass coverage. His experience across multiple NFL systems has helped him develop into a versatile defender who can contribute on special teams and in situational packages.
Notable Events and Milestones
Phillips achieved a significant milestone in 2025 when he earned Second-team All-Pro honors with the Los Angeles Chargers. The recognition came after years of persistence following his undrafted status in 2019. His journey from a practice squad player with the Buffalo Bills to a recognized starting linebacker demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Del’Shawn Phillips Career Performance
Through the 2025 NFL season, Phillips has compiled 113 career total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries. His career statistics reflect a player who has carved out a consistent role in the NFL through special teams contributions and defensive play. The Second-team All-Pro honor in 2025 represents the highest individual recognition of his professional career.
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Phillips with the Los Angeles Chargers. Earning Second-team All-Pro honors validated his standing as one of the league’s more reliable inside linebackers. He appeared in every regular season game for the Chargers, serving as a key leader in the middle of the defense. His performance helped the Chargers remain competitive in the playoff picture throughout the season.
Career Statistics Summary
Phillips has played for six NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His ability to earn playing time with multiple organizations speaks to his consistency and versatility. The 113 total tackles through 2025 represent solid production for a player who has never been a primary starter but has consistently contributed when given opportunities.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 113 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 3 |
Del’Shawn Phillips Personal Life
Phillips maintains a professional approach to his football career, focusing on his performance on the field. Details about his personal life remain private, as he prefers to keep his personal affairs separate from his professional identity. His career trajectory from undrafted free agent to Second-team All-Pro serves as an inspiration to young players aspiring to reach the NFL despite not being drafted.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers represented a career-defining year for Phillips. Signed to a $2 million contract in March 2025, he was immediately integrated into the Chargers defensive scheme. Earning Second-team All-Pro honors validated his selection and demonstrated that he could perform at an elite level when given a consistent starting role.
Phillips appeared in every regular season game, serving as a key leader in the middle of the Chargers defense. His 113 career tackles up to that point reflected steady production, but his 2025 performance elevated his standing among NFL linebackers. The Chargers relied on his ability to diagnose plays and make tackles in both run and pass defense.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Phillips re-signed with the Chargers on a two-year, $7.5 million contract. The deal represents a significant commitment from the organization and provides Phillips with long-term security. His leadership, experience, and consistent performance will continue to be valuable assets for the Chargers defense as he enters his eighth NFL season.