5 Things to Know About DT Harrison Phillips

Here are five things to know about Phillips:

Phillips played for Stanford University, where as a senior in 2017 he racked up team highs in tackles (103), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (7.5).

He earned All-Pac-12 First-Team honors and was named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-American Second Team. Phillips also was a finalist for the Bobby Bowden Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Phillips impressed on the football field and in the classroom, alike. He earned his degree with a double major (sociology and science, technology and society), and he minored in education.

If Phillips wasn’t in the NFL, his other athletic dream ambition would be making the U.S. Olympic wrestling team.

The big man was a three-time state-champion wrestler at Millard West High School (Omaha), working his way up from 189 pounds as a freshman to winning the Class A 285-pound state title as a senior.

Phillips credits his wrestling background with helping him be a better football player.

“Physically, it helps with my hips, hands, flexibility and violence,” he said in his bio with the Buffalo Bills. “Mentally, it helps with my competitive edge. In football, there are many players responsible for every play. In wrestling, you can’t blame anyone but yourself. I take that same mentality in the weight room, the meeting room and on the field.”

In addition to wrestling and football, Phillips also competed in track and field. He finished second in the state in the discus throw.

During his time in Buffalo, Phillips developed a special bond with Bills superfan Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro, who passed away in May 2019.

Castro announced the Bills selection of Phillips at the 2018 NFL Draft, and the two remained in touch throughout Castro’s cancer battle.

In the wake of Castro’s passing, Phillips has kept in contact with Castro’s family, even sending his children Christmas gifts.