Ryan Phillips

Ryan Phillips (born November 15, 1982 in Seattle, Washington) is a professional Canadian football defensive back for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Phillips is a 2006 graduate of Eastern Washington University and, in addition to being a professional football player, is a school teacher during the off season.

College football career
Phillips played high school football at Franklin High in his home town of Seattle. Following graduation in 2000, Phillips played junior college football at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California.

Phillips played college football as a defensive back, running back, and kick returner at Eastern Washington University. As as a senior, Phillips was named to the first-team All-Big Sky Conference as a kick returner. Phillips had 16 kick returns for 330 yards (a 20.6 yard average) during his senior year for the Eagles, and in 2003, rushed for 85 yards on 11 carries (a 7.7 yard average), with 3 receptions for 17 yards.

Professional football career
Phillips joined the BC Lions in 2005, and started all 18 games during his rookie season. Phillips recorded 56 tackles, good for third on the team, as well as 3 interceptions (tied for third best).

In 2006, Phillips moved from his defensive halfback position to the defence's nickel package for all 18 regular season games. Phillips recorded 23 defensive tackles, five special teams stops, two interceptions (one for a 23-yard touchdown), two fumble recoveries and 3 pass knockdowns. Phillips added the Lions sole interception in the Western Division Championship game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and chipped in three tackles in the Lion's 2006 Grey Cup victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

In 2007, Phillips led the CFL with 12 interceptions, tying a team record held by former Lions defensive back, Larry Crawford, in the process. At the conclusion of the season, Phillips was named a CFL All-Star.