What Happened to Clark Dwaine Phillips III?
Clark Phillips III is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons. After a standout college career at the University of Utah, where he earned unanimous All-American honors, he was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Following a productive 2024 season, his 2025 campaign was cut short by a triceps injury, but he has since made a full recovery and is actively competing for a roster spot in the Falcons' 2026 training camp.
Quick Answer
Clark Phillips III is a cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, currently in his fourth NFL season. After being drafted in 2023 and showing promise in his first two years, his 2025 season was largely sidelined by a triceps injury. As of August 30, 2026, Phillips has fully recovered and is a full participant in the Falcons' training camp, aiming to secure a significant role and a new contract as final roster cuts approach.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Lakewood, California
Clark Dwaine Phillips III was born in Lakewood, California.
Named Orange County Defensive Player of the Year
As a senior at La Habra High School, Phillips was recognized as the Orange County Register Defensive Player of the Year.
Enrolls at University of Utah
After initially committing to Ohio State, Phillips flipped his commitment and enrolled at the University of Utah, becoming the highest-rated recruit in program history.
Starts all five games as a true freshman at Utah
Phillips immediately became a starter for the Utah Utes, playing in all five games of his true freshman season.
Earns Unanimous All-American and Pac-12 DPOY honors
In his junior year, Phillips was named a unanimous All-American and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his elite collegiate performance.
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons
Clark Phillips III was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Rookie NFL Season with Atlanta Falcons
Phillips played in 11 games, starting five, and recorded 27 tackles and five passes defensed in his debut NFL season.
Career-High Tackles and First NFL Interception
In his second NFL season, Phillips played in 16 games (two starts), logging a career-high 35 tackles, one interception, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Placed on Injured Reserve
Phillips was placed on injured reserve due to a triceps injury, effectively ending his 2025 season after playing in only Week 4.
Returns for Falcons Minicamp
After recovering from his triceps injury, Phillips was a full participant in the Atlanta Falcons' minicamp, signaling his return to health.
Full Participant in Training Camp
Phillips participated fully in the Atlanta Falcons' training camp, working to earn a significant role in the secondary for the upcoming season.
Awaits Final Roster Cuts for 2026 Season
As of today, Clark Phillips III is vying for a spot on the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster, with final cuts scheduled to be made.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Clark Dwaine Phillips III, born on December 19, 2001, established himself as a highly touted prospect early in his football career. He attended La Habra High School in California, where he was recognized as the Orange County Register Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. Initially committing to Ohio State University, Phillips ultimately flipped his commitment to the University of Utah, becoming the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Utes.
At Utah, Phillips made an immediate impact, starting all five games as a true freshman in 2020. He continued to excel, earning unanimous All-American honors and being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. During his three seasons with the Utes (2020-2022), he started 31 games, accumulating 112 tackles, 30 passes defensed, and nine interceptions, including a school-record-tying four returned for touchdowns.
Phillips declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. In his rookie season (2023), he appeared in 11 games, starting five, and recorded 27 tackles and five passes defensed. His sophomore year in 2024 saw increased production, as he played in 16 games (two starts), achieving a career-high 35 tackles, one interception, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
The 2025 season brought a significant setback for Phillips. After playing in Week 4 against the Commanders, where he recorded one solo special teams tackle, he was placed on injured reserve on October 18, 2025, due to a triceps injury, effectively ending his season. This injury sidelined him for the majority of the year, limiting his professional development.
However, Phillips has demonstrated resilience in his recovery. He returned to participate in the Falcons' minicamp in June 2026, signaling his full recovery from the triceps issue. As of August 2026, he has been a full participant in Atlanta's training camp, positioning himself as a key piece in the secondary. Heading into his pivotal fourth year, Phillips is actively working to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and secure a new contract, with final roster cuts approaching on August 30, 2026. His dedication and improved understanding of the defense have been noted by coaches and teammates.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Clark Dwaine Phillips III made different choices?