Jaelan Phillips, born on May 28, 1999, is an American football linebacker who plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL).
He is known for his exceptional skills on the field and his unique journey to professional football, which includes a brief retirement due to injuries and a stint studying music production.
You can follow Jaelan Phillips’ net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, girlfriend, and more here.
About Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Everett Phillips was born in Redlands, California. He attended Redlands East Valley High School, where he made a name for himself in football, finishing with 264 tackles, 31.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions.
Considered the top high-school football prospect from the class of 2017, he received over 20 scholarship offers before committing to UCLA.
Phillips’ journey to professional football was not straightforward. After sustaining several concussions and other injuries, he medically retired from football in 2018 and enrolled at the Los Angeles City College to study music production.
However, his passion for football led him to transfer to the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in 2019, where he returned to the sport and played for the Miami Hurricanes.
College Career
Phillips had a notable college career, starting at UCLA where he played in seven games as a true freshman in 2017, recording 21 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and 3.5 sacks.
His sophomore year was cut short due to a concussion, after which he medically retired from football. In 2019, Phillips transferred to the University of Miami, where he resumed his football career.
He sat out of the 2019 season due to NCAA transfer rules but started in 2020, finishing with 45 tackles, eight sacks, and an interception.
He was named a second-team All-American and All-ACC and was considered a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
NFL Career
Phillips was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round (18th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $14 million, on June 9, 2021.
Phillips appeared in all 17 games as a rookie and started four in the 2021 season. He had 8.5 sacks, 42 total tackles (23 solos), and one pass defended.
In the 2022 season, he had seven sacks, 61 tackles (37 solo), two passes defended, and one forced fumble.
Jaelan Phillips’s Net Worth Details
Jaelan Phillips’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025. Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips’ prime sources of earnings are his NFL salaries, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
Contract and Salary
Phillips signed a four-year contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $14,018,202, including a $7,555,056 signing bonus.
The agreement guarantees him an average annual salary of $3,504,551. In 2023, Phillips will earn a base salary of $1,934,382.
Career Earnings
| Year | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
| 2021 | $660,000 | $7,555,056 | $8,215,056 |
| 2022 | $1,297,191 | – | $1,297,191 |
| 2023 | $1,934,382 | – | $1,934,382 |
| Total | $3,891,573 | $7,555,056 | $11,446,6293 |
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jaelan Everett Phillips |
| Birth Date | May 28, 1999 |
| Height | 6′ 5″ |
| Birthplace | Redlands, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $10 million |
| Relationship Status | In a Relationship |
| Girlfriend | Morgan Ledenko |
| Instagram Profile | @jjphillips15 |
Girlfriend
Jaelan Phillips is in a committed relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Morgan Ledenko. The couple has been dating since high school.
Morgan is expected to graduate from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies in 2023.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games Played | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Interceptions |
| 2021 | Miami Dolphins | 17 | 23 | 19 | 42 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Miami Dolphins | 17 | 37 | 24 | 61 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Miami Dolphins | 5 | 18 | 10 | 28 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Total | – | 39 | 78 | 53 | 131 | 18 | 1 | 0 |
FAQs
Who is Jaelan Phillips?
Jaelan Phillips is an American football linebacker who plays for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He was born on May 28, 1999, in Redlands, California. The Dolphins drafted Phillips in the first round (18th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Where did Jaelan Phillips play college football?
Phillips had an interesting college journey. He started at UCLA for two seasons before medically retiring due to injuries. He then transferred to the University of Miami, where he played his final college season in 2020 and had a breakout year.
What are Jaelan Phillips’ main strengths as a player?
Phillips is known for his pass-rushing ability, speed, and versatility. He’s got a good combination of size (6’5″, 263 lbs) and athleticism. He’s particularly effective at getting to the quarterback and has shown improvement against the run.
How has Jaelan Phillips performed in the NFL so far?
Phillips has had a solid start to his NFL career. In his rookie season (2021), he had 8.5 sacks. In 2022, he recorded 7 sacks. As of the 2023 season, he’s continued to be a key player on the Dolphins’ defense, with 6.5 sacks in just 8 games.
What position does Jaelan Phillips play?
Phillips is listed as a linebacker but often plays as an edge rusher. His versatility allows him to line up in different positions, making him a valuable asset to the Dolphins’ defense.
Has Jaelan Phillips won any awards or honors in the NFL?
While Phillips hasn’t won any major individual NFL awards yet, he was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2022. He’s also been recognized for his strong play, particularly as a pass rusher.
What’s Jaelan Phillips’ contract situation?
Phillips is currently on his rookie contract with the Dolphins. He signed a four-year, $14,018,202 deal in 2021, which includes a $7,555,056 signing bonus. The Dolphins have the option to extend his contract for a fifth year.
What jersey number does Jaelan Phillips wear?
Phillips wears jersey number 15 for the Miami Dolphins.
Has Jaelan Phillips had any major injuries in the NFL?
As of the 2023 season, Phillips hasn’t had any major, long-term injuries in the NFL. However, he had injury issues in college, which led to his brief retirement from football before transferring to Miami.
What are some of Jaelan Phillips’ career highlights so far?
Some of Phillips’ career highlights include his 8.5 sacks as a rookie in 2021, one of the highest totals for a rookie that year. He’s also known for his ability to make big plays, including multiple games with multiple sacks. In college, he was named a second-team All-American in his final season at Miami.
