Desmond Phillips, Toledo Rockets wide receiver and former high school quarterback, died on Saturday.
Phillips was a standout high school quarterback at American Senior High School in Miami, Florida, where he earned first-team-All-Dade County honors as a senior.
Highlights
- Desmond Phillips passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The cause of death has not been mentioned yet.
- Phillips was a standout high school quarterback at American Senior High School in Miami, Florida.
- He tied the knot with Kim Phillips on August 6, 2022.
He showcased his dual-threat abilities, throwing for 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 668 rushing yards and eight scores.
As a junior, he was named team MVP after throwing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 520 yards and 10 scores.
A three-star recruit, Phillips was ranked among the top 20 players in Dade County by The Miami Herald, making him the only Mid-American Conference (MAC) signee in the rankings.
Phillips transitioned to wide receiver in college and played for the University of Toledo. In 2016, he appeared in 10 games and made two receptions.
By 2018, he had become a key contributor, ranking fourth on the team with 27 receptions for 220 yards.
He recorded a season-high seven catches for 52 yards against Central Michigan and showcased his versatility by throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass on a receiver option play against Nevada. He also blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown.
In 2019, Phillips tied for the team lead in receptions with 36. He had five games with at least four catches, including a career-high six receptions for 65 yards against Bowling Green.
Toledo Rockets Wide Receiver Desmond Phillips Has Passed Away
Toledo Rockets wide receiver Desmond Phillips passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Miami Dade College graduate Kyla Estiverne took to her official Facebook handle and poured a small tribute to Desmond by stating,
My heart is so heavy, Desmond Phillips. May you rest in God’s peace. Pain and agony is real. As someone who wrestled with mental health. It breaks my heart to know this. His race is finished. May God hold you close. to anyone who’s feel this way. GOD IS THE ANSWER. if you wanna talk, or you wanna just go to church, DM me .. you are not alone
Kyla Estiverne
Antonio Howard, a certified personal trainer, also paid tribute to Desmond. He wrote,
Desmond Phillips I just told you I love u dawg and be safe at the park mannnnnn
Antonio Howard
Atlantis University graduate Jason PrimeTime Williams remembered the time when he used to play football with Desmond. He wrote,
Desmond Phillips It’s pains me writing this but a nigga really gonna miss you dawg Everytime I seen you, everytime I hopped on the field with you, everytime I practice with you, you was always smiling and laughing… During games, we used to always stand and sit next to each other and always crack jokes and make each other laugh…. You was more than a teammate or a friend, you was like a brother to me… I’m sorry you had to go thru what you went thru brother Watch over all us We all gone keep you and your family in our prayers May You S.I.P My Brother I love you brother
Jason PrimeTime Williams
Miami Carol City Senior High School graduate Ashton Moten took to his official Facebook handle and sent heartfelt condolences and prayers to Desmond’s family by stating,
Rest in peace. Gone too soon. Praying that God watches over your wife and kids, giving them strength and comfort in this time of loss.
Ashton Moten
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences to Desmond’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Desmond will always be remembered for his contributions as a wide receiver for the Toledo Rockets.
The funeral service will be made available by his family soon. Rest in Paradise, Desmond Phillips.
Wife Kim Phillips Is Mourning The Loss Of Her Husband Desmond Phillips
The Toledo Rockets wide receiver Kim Phillips tied the knot with Kim Phillips on August 6, 2022, after dating for several years.
Desmond shared a glimpse of their wedding on his official Instagram handle with the caption,
Mr & Mrs 💜🤞🏾💍
Desmond Phillips
They were blessed with two daughters, whose identities have been kept private. However, they frequently appear on Kim and Desmond’s social media handles.
Sadly, their married life ended after two years following the tragic death of Desmond Phillips. Recently, Kim took to her Facebook handle and mourned the loss of her husband.
I wanna be with my Husband
Kim Phillips
Additional Information
- Desmond Lamar Phillips was born to his father, Willie Phillips Sr. and Seila Phillips.
- His career-high in receptions came on November 23, 2018, against Central Michigan, when he hauled seven catches. He recorded his best single-game receiving yards total on October 12, 2019, against Bowling Green, gaining 65 yards through the air.
- Phillips’ longest reception came on September 14, 2019, when he caught a 43-yard touchdown pass against Murray State.
