Harrison Phillips
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Tackle | Stanford University | 6 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Harrison Phillips consistently prioritizes others, both on and off the field. As a defensive tackle, his commitment to executing assignments contributes to the success of those around him. Notably, his efforts up front have played a crucial role in helping Vikings outside linebacker Danielle Hunter accumulate 10 sacks through Week 8. He's consistently played a key role in Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' system. By Week 8, Phillips had already surpassed his own career-high in sacks with 2.0 and was one away from his career-high in quarterback hits. He also had 49 total tackles entering Week 9; his career high is 59, which he accomplished in 2022.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
If it's a Tuesday in the Twin Cities, Phillips is helping the community, but his impact goes well beyond those days. During the spring, Harrison Phillips collaborated with Vikings staff members to create toys for Coco's Heart Dog Rescue.
Additionally, he and his wife, Shea, are actively involved in fostering dogs.
In May, he joined Vikings teammates at Junior Achievement Biztown, providing elementary school students with the opportunity to discover careers, build financial skills, and exercise civic duties. Later that month, he volunteered at a Scholastic Book Fair. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Phillips joined Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo- Mensah and psychology professionals in speaking to a group of high school students. Additionally, Phillips, alongside teammates and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, engaged in a field day and media tour at the team's headquarters where he participated in mock interviews conducted by fifth graders.
Throughout Vikings Training Camp, Phillips took the time to connect with special guests, including adults with special needs, underserved children, and youngsters with disabilities, after every practice. He engaged in taking photos and
signing autographs. In a heartwarming gesture, he extended an invitation to Elliana, a young girl with Spina Bifida, after sending her a letter in response to her Vikings-themed leg braces during the spring. Following practice, he dedicated time to talk with Elliana and her cousin. After the Vikings joint practices with the Cardinals, Phillips helped welcome the 2023 Vikings Special Olympics Unified Flag Football Team, having also worked with the 2022 squad.
Community involvement remains a consistent priority for Phillips, who often participates in multiple events or initiatives every Tuesday during the season. In the first seven weeks of the 2023 season, he visited M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital, collaborated with the NBA's Timberwolves and the Minnesota Vikings Foundation for student education programs, and contributed to hosting a football clinic with Camp Kesem, which supports youth with parents battling cancer. Phillips also demonstrated to Vikings rookies the importance of giving back by helping host an "all- abilities" clinic for patients at Shriner's Children's Hospital. Additionally, he joined teammate Dalton Risner in serving dinner to patients at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge.
Finally, the Vikings annually host an "all-abilities" clinic for Shriner's Children's Hospital patients, and the event typically is run in part by Minnesota's rookie class. This year, however, Phillips also attended the event and spoke ahead of time to the Vikings first-year players, noting the importance of being fully present for the youngsters and making them feel empowered to complete any drill.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
It's truly impossible to highlight Phillips' dedication to community efforts over the years in 400 words. Firstly, the innovative passion for his Phillips' Playmakers program and participants is unmatched. The program has significantly expanded since its inception, now supporting children and young adults with developmental differences and needs in Buffalo, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Through the program, Phillips hosts Harrison's Sports Camps with the Playmakers, intentionally leaving football out of the name because the programming reaches far beyond it and the camps are about much more than athletic prowess. Featuring basketball drills, petting zoos, and face painting, the camps feature something for anyone and everyone. Harrison's Playmakers has hosted special back-to-school and holiday shopping events as well.
Soon after signing with the team in March 2022, Phillips visited two local children's hospitals, learned about All Square, a Minneapolis social justice-focused program, and inspired youth at the Little Earth Boys & Girls Club. He has also spent time with families at Crescent Cove, one of only three respite homes for children in the United States and helped host events for Best Buddies youth who face cognitive challenges.
Phillips, when it comes to making a difference, knows no boundaries. He joined teammate C.J. Ham at Ham's "Pamper Her Purple" event during Crucial Catch month, supporting and encouraging women who had defeated cancer or were currently battling it. He has spent time with the Vikings Special Olympics Unified Team, congratulating players on "signing" with the team and getting to know the athletes and partners alike. He also joined Twin Cities high school students on a Project Success trip to Washington, D.C., where he learned more about African American history and the importance of social justice efforts. Phillips has also helped with events through the Minnesota Vikings Foundation, The Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Clubs, United Heroes League, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Cancer Society.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Phillips seemingly has endless capacity for making others' lives better. He has a gift for making whomever he's talking to feel seen and cared for, and he truly cares about finding ways to support. He even travels with three Vikings 97 jerseys in his car, so he's always prepared to make a difference in someone's life by gifting one.
Having grown up in a family that ran a daycare for children with disabilities, Phillips' passion for the cause is deeply authentic and homegrown. One of Harrison's Playmakers, Jenna Perkins, raves about the way Phillips makes her laugh and feel included despite her intellectual challenges. He believes in making the world a better place, and he encourages others to join the effort constantly.
