Harrison Phillips — Class of 2014

Harrison Phillips is a Millard West graduate who has distinguished himself at the highest levels of football while making service to others a defining part of his career.

A standout defensive lineman and wrestler for the Wildcats, Phillips completed a remarkable senior football season in 2013 by earning Nebraska Gatorade Football Player of the Year honors. Over his Millard West career, he recorded more than 175 tackles, 75 tackles for loss and 35 sacks before accepting a scholarship to Stanford University.

At Stanford, Phillips developed into one of the nation’s premier defensive linemen. As a senior in 2017, he recorded 103 tackles—an exceptional total for an interior defensive lineman—and earned First-Team All-Pac-12 recognition. He also excelled academically, graduating from Stanford with double majors in Sociology and Science, Technology and Society, along with a minor in Education.

The Buffalo Bills selected Phillips in the third round with the 96th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He went on to play for Buffalo and the Minnesota Vikings and is currently a defensive tackle for the New York Jets. Through the 2025 season, Phillips had appeared in 113 regular-season NFL games and recorded 374 total tackles and 8.5 sacks.

Phillips' impact extends well beyond football. His extensive community service has earned him multiple nominations as his team's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, one of the league's most prestigious honors for excellence on the field and commitment to the community. His service has included programs supporting children and young adults with developmental disabilities, a commitment that has roots in relationships he began building while still a student at Millard West.

From Millard West to Stanford and the NFL, Harrison Phillips has represented his school and hometown through athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership and service to others.