Phillips Earns AFL Highlight of the Week

Published on May 22, 2013 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release


SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Blaze defensive back Al Phillips was awarded the AFL Highlight of the Week for his performance in the team's 43-34 victory over the Iowa Barnstormers, the Arena Football League announced Tuesday.

Following a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of the game by fullback Ben Stallings, Phillips kept the momentum rolling on the ensuing kickoff. Kyle Brotzman's attempt sprung off the nets and into the turf, popping high into the air. As Iowa wide receiver Marcus Harris attempted to field the loose ball, Phillips came screaming down the field and delivered a jarring hit that knocked the ball free. The tackle set the tone for the remainder of the drive, as the Blaze defense held the Barnstormers to four-and-out on the possession that followed.

"I was running down and saw the ball hit hard off the net and bounce high in the air," Phillips explained. "I accelerated and hit the return man as the ball touched his hands. I knew I hit him pretty hard so I was pretty hyped up about it."

Now in his third season with the Utah Blaze, Phillips (5-11,190, Wagner) is the franchise's all-time leading tackler with 163 stops in his career. He set a single-season record with 91.5 total tackles in 2011 and ranks second in franchise history with six career interceptions.

Through seven games in 2013, Phillips has delivered 21.5 tackles with two pass breakups.

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