Jaelan Phillips spent his Tuesday off from Panthers training camp doing something that looked more like a summer field trip than a football obligation.
He played water basketball, launched foam footballs, tore down waterslides and, at one point, held a baby for a photo after the child’s mother insisted. Then he sat down and delivered a strong endorsement of a few of his new teammates, including one in particular he called “one of the best” players he’s been around.
Phillips, the Panthers outside linebacker signed in March, spent the afternoon with three children from The Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. Later, Great Wolf Lodge donated $11,500 to the organization, and Phillips presented the check.
For Phillips, the day fit right into the way he says he approaches his role in the community.
“I’ve done work with (the Boys & Girls Club) in different areas before: down in Fort Lauderdale, back home in the L.A. area,” Phillips said. “It’s just something where I love to do work with kids.
So I think my agent brought this to me, and it was a no-brainer for me honestly. It’s pretty close to home, and like I said, I’ve been trying to do some stuff in the community anyway.
“I love doing stuff with kids, so this is perfect.”
The football part of the conversation turned quickly to Panthers camp, where Phillips said the energy has been ramping up.
“Everybody’s always fighting. You gotta imagine: There are a lot of emotions, a lot of adrenaline, a lot of physicality built up.
And a lot of guys are fighting for their (NFL) lives. So if something goes wrong, or you’re upset, or somebody is holding you from doing what you’re doing, a lot of emotions can be released.
But I think it’s indicative of a high level of passion, a high level of effort and care. So I think that’s a great thing for us.
Obviously, you want to be smart about it. You don’t want guys getting hurt, and you can’t do it in a game.
But I think it just shows that guys are out there competing and ready to go.”
Asked about Devin Lloyd, who was named 27th on the NFL Top 100 list, Phillips didn’t hold back.
“Dude, he’s just one of the best football players I’ve been around. I love having him behind me because he can make a lot of things right, even if it goes wrong up-front.
He just flies around. He is in position.
He’s just there every time you need him. He rarely makes mistakes.
And he’s fast, physical, great leader, great dude. I have very high praises for Devin Lloyd. ...”
He kept going from there.
“He makes every play that he’s supposed to, plus more. He has all the attributes you want in a linebacker.
He can rush the passer, he can drop, he can catch, he can run, he can run defense. He’s a stud, honestly.
One of the best I’ve been around.”
Phillips also had plenty to say about the Panthers offense, starting with second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
“TMac.”
Phillips said he didn’t see much Panthers football last year and was mostly focused on the defense when the teams played early in the season. But in camp, McMillan has stood out immediately.
“I mean, he’s insane. He catches everything.
Huge, physical, all that stuff. Chuba (Hubbard) is a great running back, great leader.
Bryce (Young) is a stud. Offensive line is looking good.
All around, we have a lot of talented guys.”
On Young, Phillips said the quarterback’s mindset has been a major reason for what he’s seen.
“I mean, I think that he has a great mindset. He’s focused on the right things.
He doesn’t care about the outside noise. He doesn’t really care about things he can’t control.
He’s just worried about getting better every day, and being a great leader, and I think he’s stepped into that role extremely well. I have a lot of respect for him.
He’s been playing at a very high level, and I imagine he’ll continue to do so.”
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