As far as I know, no one has posted the clip of Mike Phillips breaking his ankle against Nebraska on You Tube, but that image has stayed burned into my memory. The Warren, Ohio native gets a story in his local paper.
“It was tough because I had never had a major injury like that,” said Phillips, who was an instructor Monday at the Korey Stringer Community Fund football camp. “Believing in God and praying and having a lot of good people around me telling me to keep my head up. I took a positive approach to it. It wasn’t like, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ At rehab they tell me I’m ahead of schedule.”
The 2006 season could be a breakout time for Phillips, who played cornerback and quarterback at Harding. He’s been moved to free safety, where his speed and football instincts can be best utilized.
To get ready for the move, Phillips accommodated coach Dave Wannstedt by increasing his weight 20 pounds to 205. The time off the field also gave him a chance to study the entire defense.
“I believe I can provide a leadership role more this year than last year because I think I’m wiser,” he said. “Getting hurt might have been a good thing because I studied film a lot more. Before, I knew what I did and the corners. Now I know my position, the corners, the linebackers, and I want to know more about the defensive line. That will make me play a lot faster.”
The injury also seemed to effect his overall outlook.
Phillips has two more years of eligibility remaining, but he was eligible for the NFL draft this year. At this time he plans to use all of his eligibility and then see what develops concerning a possible NFL career.
Realizing how fragile an athlete’s career can be, Phillips is taking nothing for granted. He’ll graduate next spring with a degree in communications. He wants to get another major to enhance his chances of succeeding in life outside of the football lines.
“As I saw in the Nebraska game, you’re one play away from not playing again,” Phillips said. “You always have a backup plan. Football can be taken away. A degree can’t.”
I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the field this fall.
