He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.

[8] Phillips was often used on offense as a tight end in goal line situations, and caught two touchdown passes during his career.

[9] Phillips graduated from Purdue University in May 2003 with a degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management.

[14][15] In the 2005 season, in the same role, Philips had seven sacks and three forced fumbles while playing alongside rookie sensation Shawne Merriman.

Phillips, then 24, was booked into San Diego County jail on a charge of obstructing or resisting an officer in the performance of his duty.

He made an instant impact and finished his first season as a starter tied for ninth in sacks in the NFL despite missing two games with a mid-season calf injury.

Philips finished with 65 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six pass breakups and four forced fumbles despite missing two games with an ankle injury.

[28] In 2009, Philips led the NFL with a career-best seven forced fumbles in 2009 while leading San Diego to its fourth consecutive AFC West title.

[29][30][31] Before the season, Phillips was cited for misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking a security guard in the face at a downtown hotel early Sunday morning.

[38] Coming off a Pro Bowl year, Phillips was hurt and slowed by a lingering foot injury.

[44] In his debut as a Bronco, Phillips had 2.5 sacks on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

[45] In Week 8, Phillips intercepted Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins, to seal the game for the Broncos.

[47] In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Phillips recorded two sacks in the 24–17 victory over the San Diego Chargers.