He was selected by the New York Giants 31st overall in the 2008 NFL draft and won Super Bowl XLVI with the team over the New England Patriots.

In 2004, Phillips was the nation's top safety prospect and USA Today Defensive Player of the Year.

He ranked third on the team with 67 tackles (40 solo), recovered two fumbles, broke up four passes and recorded one interception.

Phillips interception came against the Clemson Tigers in triple overtime and sealed the win for the Hurricanes.

Phillips earned "ACC Defensive Back of the Week" honors for his play against Duke in which he tied a University of Miami record with three interceptions in one game.

At the end of the 2008 preseason, Phillips was slated at the #2 spot on the depth chart at the free safety position behind Michael Johnson.

While not a starter, Phillips split time at the free safety position with Johnson and also played on special teams.

He made the first interception of his career in week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, coming with only minutes left in the 4th quarter, sealing a 21-14 victory for the Giants.

Following microfracture surgery, it is unclear whether Phillips will be able to return to the level of play he exhibited before the injury.

[13] Phillips believed he would be ready for week one of the 2010 season for the Giants opener against the Carolina Panthers.

[14] If Phillips was not ready to go at the beginning of the season, he would be replaced by former Seattle Seahawk Deon Grant.

[15] Once ready to play, Phillips would team up with fellow University of Miami Hurricane Antrel Rolle in the Giants backfield for the first time.

For the 2011 regular season, Phillips recorded personal career-high statistics in three defensive categories: interceptions (4), pass deflections (11), and tackles (82).