Phillip Buchanon

Phillip Darren Buchanon (born September 19, 1980 in Fort Myers, Florida) is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders 17th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.

Buchanon has also played for the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.

Early years
Buchanon played high school football at Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres, Florida where he started at both running back and defensive back. During his senior year he earned an All-State selection. He finished his career with 102 tackles and seven interceptions. He also lettered in basketball, track, and baseball.

College career
Buchanon played college football at the University of Miami. During his junior year he earned All-American honors as a returner and was a finalist for the Mosi Tatupu Award. He finished his career with 88 tackles and seven interceptions on defense, and 32 punt returns for 477 yards and two touchdowns as a returner.

Oakland Raiders
Buchanon was drafted by the Oakland Raiders 17th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Raiders recording 122 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Houston Texans
On April 25, 2005 the Raiders traded Buchanon to the Houston Texans for a second and third round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent two years in Houston playing in 14 games, recording 37 tackles. He played four games for the Texans in 2006 before being released on October 16, 2006.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buchanon signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 17, 2006. He finished the 2006 season with the Bucs recording 24 tackles and intercepting two passes. During 2007 he took over as the Bucs starting cornerback alongside Ronde Barber due to Brian Kelly's struggles with injury.

Detroit Lions
Buchanon was signed by the Detroit Lions on March 4, 2009 to help the secondary after the 2008 season. He played in 13 games for the Lions recording 43 tackles, a sack, and 4 passes defended. He was released on March 4, 2010.

Washington Redskins
Buchanon signed with the Washington Redskins on March 29, 2010. After re-signing with the Redskins for the 2011 season, Buchanon was suspended by the team for four games for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy. After his suspension ended, Buchanon was added to 53-man roster after rookie Brandyn Thompson was waived and added to the Redskins' practice squad. On November 5, 2011, Buchanon was placed on injured reserve having played in only one game the entire season in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

Personal
Buchanon is the cousin of former Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse. He was offered a $500,000 contract by the Cincinnati Reds to play baseball but ultimately decided to play football instead.