​The Chargers’ standout on special teams is up next. Let’s dive into the background of linebacker and special-teams ace Del’Shawn Phillips. Standing 6’2” and weighing 230 pounds, Phillips brings a combination of size, speed, and tenacity to the field. A product of Highland Park, Michigan, his football journey began at Cass Tech High School, where he began to draw attention for his versatility and work ethic. Initially, he committed to Western Michigan, but academic hurdles forced him to take a step back from the sport to focus on getting his grades in order.
After a year away from football, Phillips found a place at Garden City Community College. He wasted no time making an impact, posting 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks during his standout freshman season. His sophomore year at Garden City culminated in a national championship for his team, a testament to his contribution and rising confidence on the field. Although he initially pledged to play for the University of Arizona, Phillips ultimately switched his commitment to Illinois, seeking a higher level of competition and a new opportunity.
At Illinois, Phillips earned a starting role right away. In his first season in the Big Ten, he logged 84 tackles, added four tackles for loss, and recorded a sack, establishing himself as a dependable defender. His leadership qualities shone through when he was named a team captain during his senior year. That same season, he delivered a prolific stat line with 95 tackles, four interceptions, and a key presence on defense, earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors.
Phillips faced the harsh reality of the pro ranks when he went undrafted in 2019. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a undrafted free agent, but was among the final cuts at the end of training camp. The next stop came in October 2019 with the Buffalo Bills, where he joined the practice squad and remained for the rest of the season, then signed a reserve/futures contract in January.
The Bills gave him an early chance to prove himself in Buffalo’s season opener, but an initial quadriceps injury stalled his progress. The injury lingered as he watched his season unfold, eventually landing him on injured reserve in October. He was activated briefly but returned to IR within the same week, and he was ultimately waived following the season.
In 2021, Phillips joined the New York Jets, beginning on their practice squad and earning a spot on the active roster by September 21. He started one game that year, finishing with 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. His resilience and special-teams prowess continued to be his calling card as he navigated the league.
After being waived during the 2022 final cuts, Phillips landed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent two seasons and appeared in 23 games. He registered 29 tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, contributing to the team’s depth on defense and, more importantly, their special-teams units. In 2023, he earned his second career start, adding to his growing resume as a versatile defender who could also contribute on special teams.
The 2024 season brought another transition as Phillips joined the Houston Texans. There, he continued to play primarily on special teams, delivering 16 tackles and a tackle for loss, further proving his value in coverage and as a core member of the kicking game.
In the 2025 offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Phillips with an explicit goal of bolstering kick coverage and overall special-teams performance. He answered that call by becoming one of the league’s premier special-teams players, culminating in a Second-Team All-Pro selection after recording a career-high 37 tackles. His performance not only underscores his impact on the field but also highlights his evolution as a well-rounded linebacker who can contribute on defense while excelling in the kicking game. Phillips also added a third career start on defense, continuing to show his versatility and reliability.
Phillips’ journey—from a high school standout in Michigan to a college leader and a seasoned NFL contributor—exemplifies persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence on special teams. His blend of size, instincts, and relentless energy makes him a critical asset for the Chargers, especially in kick coverage situations where his speed and tackling ability can swing field position and momentum. As he continues to carve out a niche as one of the league’s top special-teamers, Phillips’ impact extends beyond stats, contributing to the team’s overall discipline, discipline, and success on game days.