Cam Phillips awaits his NFL opportunity

The XFL was an opportunity of a lifetime for numerous football players. Former college players who had yet to receive their break in the NFL, players looking for one last shot at the NFL or some who just missed playing the game, the XFL presented a tremendous opportunity.

One former Virginia Tech star made the most of his time in the XFL.

Cam Phillips left Blacksburg as Virginia Tech’s all-time leading receiver in both receptions and receiving yards when he graduated after the 2017 season. He went undrafted, but signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Phillips spent two weeks of his rookie year on Buffalo’s active roster. For most of the 2018 season. Phillips was on Buffalo’s practice squad.

The Bills cut Phillips in 2019 and he spent the year out of football.

The XFL had its draft in October 2019 and Phillips was a part of the Houston Roughnecks.

The XFL was originally scheduled for a 10-week season before the playoffs. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic ended the upstart league after just five weeks.

That didn’t stop Phillips from shining. In five games, Phillips led the league in receptions (31), receiving yards (455) and touchdowns (nine). He was named the league’s star of the week in three of the five weeks the league played.

Last week, the XFL announced its players were free to sign with the NFL beginning on Monday, March 23.

Phillips’ quarterback with Houston, P.J. Walker, quickly lined up a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Now, Phillips waits for his turn.

Only a few XFL players have signed NFL deals at the current time. What is hurting a player like Phillips is the NFL Draft is next month. It is an absurdly deep class for wide receivers and most teams will likely see what the draft brings before bringing in Phillips.

Phillips is ready for his shot at the NFL. No matter where he has played, whether it be high school, college or the XFL, he’s been a star. He deserves that chance in the NFL.