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Anthony Phillips (defensive back)
Anthony Dwayne Phillips (born October 5, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football for the Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas.[1] He also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Grand Rapids Rampage and Buffalo Destroyers, winning the Arena Bowl with Grand Rapids in his first season there.[2] Professional careerAfter attending Texas A&M–Kingsville, Phillips was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in 1994.[3] He became a rising star with the Falcons, but in his second season, he suffered a gruesome leg injury. During a game against the Buffalo Bills, Phillips intercepted a pass thrown by Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly, catching the ball at the Atlanta 2-yard line, and was on his way to returning the ball for a defensive touchdown. However, after 43 yards, Kelly himself caught up to Phillips and tackled him while he was running (in bounds) down the side line, with the latter suffering a compound fracture to both his tibia and fibula on his right leg upon landing awkwardly on it.[4] Phillips was required to stay on his back for a month in order for the bones to heal, and Kelly has since apologized for the injury.[1] Phillips was cut after one additional season with the Falcons. He later signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, but his season ended with a torn ACL. After the season, he played two seasons in the Arena Football League, helping the Grand Rapids Rampage win ArenaBowl XV, before retiring.[1] Personal lifeRaised in Galveston, Texas, Phillips has two children and later settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was diagnosed with kidney failure, stemming from legal steroid usage during his football career.[1] References
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