As a senior, Phillips was named to the first-team All-Big Sky Conference as a cornerback and kick returner.

Following a free agent camp in Portland, Oregon, Phillips joined the BC Lions for the 2005 season.

In 2007, Phillips led the CFL with 12 interceptions, tying a team record held by former Lions' defensive back, Larry Crawford, in the process.

In 2010 he recorded his highest sack tally to date with four for the year, to accompany another five interceptions with 49 tackles.

Phillips was part of the 2011 BC Lions team that began the year with five consecutive losses and finished to win the 99th Grey Cup in Vancouver, which had never been done before in CFL history.

For the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Phillips earned All-Star selections in both years while fostering his reputation as an excellent coverage defensive back.

For the 2015 season, Phillips led the league with six interceptions and made 26 defensive tackles in just 14 games.

Despite playing in only 14 games, Phillips was named to the 2015 CFL Western All-Star team for the fifth time in his career.

[5] Nevertheless, at age 34, he was released by the Lions on February 10, 2017, just prior to the opening of the free agency period.

[7] Following his playing career Ryan Phillips joined the BC Lions as a defensive backs coach.