History of Jaelan Phillips in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 9, 2026

Jaelan Phillips is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He had two seasons each playing college football for the UCLA Bruins and the Miami Hurricanes. Phillips is a prominent player in the league known for his athletic abilities.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 28, 1999: Jaelan Everett Phillips Born

On May 28, 1999, Jaelan Everett Phillips was born. He would later become a professional football linebacker.

2017: Freshman Year at UCLA

During his true freshman year in 2017, Phillips played in seven games and recorded 21 tackles, seven for loss, 2 pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks.

2017: Top High-School Prospect

In 2017, Jaelan Phillips was considered the top high-school football prospect from the class, receiving over 20 scholarship offers before committing to UCLA.

December 2018: Medically Retired from Football

In December 2018, after several injuries, including being hit by a car while riding a moped, Phillips medically retired from football and enrolled at the Los Angeles City College to study music production.

2019: Transfer to Frost School of Music

In 2019, Phillips transferred to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and also returned to football as a player for the Miami Hurricanes.

2020: Started Playing for the Hurricanes

In 2020, Phillips started playing for the Miami Hurricanes, finishing with 45 tackles, eight sacks, and an interception. He was named a second-team All-American and All-ACC and was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.

June 9, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract with Dolphins

On June 9, 2021, Phillips signed his four-year rookie contract with the Miami Dolphins, worth $14 million.

2021: Rookie Season

During the 2021 season, as a rookie, Phillips appeared in all 17 games for the Miami Dolphins, starting four. He had 8.5 sacks, 42 total tackles, 23 solo, and one pass defended. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

2021: Entered the NFL Draft

In 2021, Jaelan Phillips chose to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

2021: Drafted by Miami Dolphins

In 2021, Phillips was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the NFL draft.

2022: Second Season

In the 2022 season, Phillips had seven sacks, 61 tackles, 37 solo, two passes defended, and one forced fumble for the Miami Dolphins.

April 29, 2024: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 29, 2024, the Miami Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Phillips' contract.

November 3, 2025: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles

On November 3, 2025, the Dolphins traded Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 third round pick. In his first game with the Eagles, Phillips recorded six tackles and a crucial red zone fumble recovery in a 10–7 win over the Green Bay Packers.