Kyle Phillips (American football)


Kyle Phillips is an American football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He played college football at Tennessee.

Early years

Phillips grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Hillsboro High School. As a senior, he made 58 tackles with 13 sacks and was named All-Midstate as well as one of The Tennessean's "Dandy Dozen". Phillips was rated a four star recruit and played in the 2015 All-American Bowl, where he committed to play college football at Tennessee over offers from LSU and Ole Miss.

College career

Phillips played four seasons for the Tennessee Volunteers, serving primarily as a reserve defensive lineman until midway through his junior year. He recorded 35 tackles with two sacks and two passes defended in his junior season. As a senior, Phillips made 56 tackles, eight for a loss, and five sacks. On October 20, 2018, against Alabama, he recorded a 27-yard pick-six. He finished his collegiate career with 114 tackles, 16 for a loss, eight sacks, and nine passes defended in 41 games played.

Professional career

Phillips signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2019 and made the 53-man roster out of training camp. He made his NFL debut on September 16, 2019 against the Cleveland Browns, making two tackles. Phillips finished his rookie season with 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks with a pass defended in 15 games played, four of which he started.

Personal

Phillips mother, Teresa Phillips, is the athletic director of Tennessee State University.