Phillips Moves on to Tampa Bay

Published on October 14, 2011 under Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL)
Cincinnati Commandos News Release


CINCINNATI, OH - The Cincinnati Commandos professional indoor football team, of the Ultimate Indoor Football League, has announced that defensive tackle Pernell Phillips (Cincinnati, OH/Central State University) has accepted a contract with the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League.

He becomes the fourth former Commando to sign with a AFL franchise in Cincinnati's two-year existence. Former receivers Robert Redd and Dominick Goodman helped lead the Cleveland Gladiators to their first ever division title in 2011.

"I just want to progress in terms of football," said Phillips. "I played indoor football initially to work on my pass rush for outdoor, but I had fun with the Commandos. It was a great experience. I loved the coaching staff, especially (head coach) Billy Back. He had my back 100 percent."

In his first and only season of indoor football, Phillips was dominant in the trenches. He led the league with 26 tackles for loss and was second with 12 sacks. His 48 tackles were good for second on the team and fourth in the league.

Phillips initial flirtation with the AFL came at the end of the Cincinnati season when the Cleveland Gladiators and Spokane Shock showed early interest in his services. Later in the summer, the Pittsburgh Power and Tampa Bay Storm came a calling.

"It came down to who could help me the most in getting to the Canadian League or the NFL," said Phillips. "They are going to be on the NFL network six times (in 2012) and they always have NFL scouts around. I felt good about the vibe. Plus, it's the better weather; compare Pittsburgh to Tampa Bay, in February."

He is slated to make $400 per game during the season in addition to living expenses. The Storm will be taking care of his living arrangements, two meals per day and transportation to the facilities.

Playing their home games in the historic Cincinnati Gardens, the Commandos are the long-tenured indoor football team in the history of the city of Cincinnati. The two-time league champions, start their third season in March.

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