Lawrence Phillips, American football player (b. 1975)
Lawrence Lamond Phillips (May 12, 1975 – January 13, 2016) was an American gridiron football running back whose extraordinary athletic gifts, particularly evident during his collegiate career, ultimately gave way to a tragic life defined by persistent legal troubles. Despite being a highly touted prospect entering the professional ranks, Phillips' time in the National Football League (NFL) was cut short, a pattern of self-destruction that continued relentlessly until his death.

The Collegiate Phenomenon: Nebraska Cornhuskers Stardom

Lawrence Phillips emerged as an undeniable powerhouse in college football, showcasing his formidable blend of speed and power as a running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a pivotal figure in one of college football's most dominant eras, contributing significantly to Nebraska's back-to-back national championships. His remarkable performances on the field cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting and impactful players of his generation, often generating buzz as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

• 1995 Orange Bowl Victory (for the 1994 season): As a sophomore, Phillips played a crucial role in Nebraska's 24-17 victory over the Miami Hurricanes, securing the 1994 national championship. His powerful running helped wear down the formidable Miami defense.
• 1996 Fiesta Bowl Triumph (for the 1995 season): Phillips delivered one of his most iconic collegiate performances in Nebraska's dominant 62-24 win over the Florida Gators, securing the 1995 national championship. He amassed 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his game-breaking ability on college football's biggest stage.

However, even amidst his collegiate glory, early warning signs of his future struggles began to surface. Notably, in October 1995, Phillips was suspended from the team after being arrested and charged with assaulting his former girlfriend. This incident, which led to a plea of no contest to misdemeanor assault, foreshadowed the recurring legal and personal challenges that would severely impede his professional career.

NFL Aspirations and Unfulfilled Potential

Phillips' undeniable talent and collegiate achievements made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 1996 NFL Draft. The St. Louis Rams, captivated by his immense potential to be a franchise-altering player, selected him as the sixth overall pick. This high draft position reflected the immense expectations placed upon him to transform the Rams' offense. Yet, his tenure with the Rams and his entire NFL career were unfortunately characterized by a relentless stream of off-field controversies and inconsistent on-field performances, ultimately preventing him from fulfilling his extraordinary promise.

His frequent legal problems, which included multiple arrests for incidents ranging from domestic violence and assault to driving under the influence (DUI), coupled with documented instances of a questionable work ethic and missed team activities, severely impacted his ability to perform consistently at the professional level. A particularly notable incident occurred in 1997 when he was charged with felony vandalism after ramming a car containing three women, including his former girlfriend, leading to a plea of no contest. The St. Louis Rams, after investing significant resources in him, ultimately released Phillips near the end of the 1997 season due to these escalating issues.

Following his tumultuous departure from the Rams, Phillips attempted to salvage his NFL career with two brief, unsuccessful stints:

• Miami Dolphins (1997): He signed with the Dolphins shortly after his release from St. Louis but played in only two games before being cut, continuing the pattern of short tenures.
• San Francisco 49ers (1999): Phillips sought a comeback with the 49ers, but his inability to consistently adhere to team rules and persistent questions regarding his commitment and work ethic led to his release before the regular season even began, effectively ending his NFL aspirations.

A Glimmer of Hope in the CFL

After exhausting his opportunities in the National Football League, Lawrence Phillips sought to revitalize his professional gridiron career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He signed with the Montreal Alouettes, where he briefly rediscovered the electrifying form that once made him a top NFL prospect.

• Montreal Alouettes (2002): Phillips enjoyed a standout season, showcasing his enduring talent by rushing for 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as a CFL All-Star, and most significantly, he played a crucial role in the Alouettes winning the 90th Grey Cup, the CFL's coveted championship trophy, against the Edmonton Eskimos. This period represented a poignant professional high point, demonstrating his athletic capabilities when he could remain focused.
• Calgary Stampeders (2003): He later played briefly for the Calgary Stampeders.

However, this career resurgence proved to be fleeting. The familiar patterns of legal issues and concerns over his commitment and work ethic resurfaced, leading to his release from the Stampeders in 2003 and effectively marking the end of his professional football career.

Post-Football Life and Tragic Demise

Even after his professional football career concluded, Lawrence Phillips remained tragically ensnared in a deepening web of legal troubles. In 2009, his history of violent behavior culminated in a significant prison sentence; he was sentenced to 31 years for multiple assault convictions, including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment related to incidents in 2005 and 2009. These convictions underscored a persistent inability to escape his destructive patterns and comply with the law.

While serving this lengthy sentence at Kern Valley State Prison in California, Phillips faced an even graver charge. In April 2015, he was charged with the murder of his cellmate, Damion Soward. The circumstances surrounding Soward's death were under investigation, with authorities pointing to Phillips as the perpetrator in an apparent strangulation.

Tragically, while awaiting trial for the cellmate murder charge, Lawrence Phillips committed suicide on January 13, 2016, at the age of 40. He was found unresponsive in his solitary confinement cell at Kern Valley State Prison. His death marked a somber and definitive end to a life characterized by extraordinary athletic potential tragically undone by deep-seated personal demons and a relentless series of legal battles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Phillips

When was Lawrence Phillips born and when did he die?

Lawrence Phillips was born on May 12, 1975, and tragically passed away on January 13, 2016.

What were Lawrence Phillips' major achievements in college football?

Phillips was a dominant running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, playing a crucial role in their back-to-back national championship victories in the 1995 Orange Bowl and 1996 Fiesta Bowl, where he showcased his elite rushing talent.

Why was Lawrence Phillips' NFL career short-lived?

His NFL career, particularly with the St. Louis Rams, was significantly derailed and ultimately cut short by a consistent pattern of severe legal troubles, including multiple arrests for assault and domestic violence, compounded by concerns regarding his work ethic and commitment to the team.

Did Lawrence Phillips achieve any professional success after the NFL?

Yes, he experienced a brief but notable resurgence in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 2002, playing for the Montreal Alouettes, he was named a CFL All-Star and played a key role in their victory in the Grey Cup, the league's championship game.

What were the circumstances surrounding Lawrence Phillips' death?

While serving a 31-year sentence for assault convictions, Phillips was charged in 2015 with the murder of his cellmate. While awaiting trial for this charge, he committed suicide by hanging himself in solitary confinement at Kern Valley State Prison on January 13, 2016.