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Phillip Lindsay has been overlooked most of his career. The 5’8”, 190-pound former Colorado Buffaloes tailback has something to prove.
Now he’ll get his chance.
Less than 30 minutes after the 2018 NFL Draft concluded Saturday, the Denver Broncos agreed to sign Lindsay as an undrafted free agent.
@RunRalphieRun Legend @I_CU_boy is a Bronco! All he ever needed was an opportunity and now he has it! Congrats! @Broncos #303 #Buff4Life pic.twitter.com/uv1U2kJlVJ
— Daniel Da Prato (@CoachDaPrato) April 28, 2018
Rejoice Broncos fans! The Aurora, Colo. native is staying in state. Here are five reasons to be happy the Broncos signed Phillip Lindsay as an undrafted free agent:
1. Lindsay is an absolute workhorse and is extremely durable.
Despite tearing his ACL as a senior in high school, the former three-star recruit played in all 51 games during his four years in Boulder, racking up a CU record 4,859 yards from scrimmage. His 3,775 rush yards on 765 attempts rank 2nd all-time behind only Eric Bieniemy. One of 11 finalists for the Doak Walker award last season, Lindsay is also the only CU player to rush for 1000-plus yards in consecutive seasons.
2. Plays much bigger than he is
Don’t let his small frame fool you, Lindsay plays much bigger than he is. In addition to being elusive and fast – he ran a 4.39 second 40-yard dash at CU’s Pro-Timing Day which would’ve placed him second among all 32 running backs at the combine behind only NC State’s Nyheim Hines (4.38) – he’s not afraid to take a hit. In fact, where most running backs his size try to make defenders miss, Lindsay often takes them head on then bounces right back up.
3. Will overcome the odds
One of this year’s biggest combine snubs, going undrafted will only add fuel to Lindsay’s fire. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and has for most of his career. But if there’s one thing you should know about Phillip Lindsay, he’s going to overcome whatever odds are thrown at him. “I’ve proven it year in and year out. I just proved it here too,” he said after rushing for 51-yards on 12 carries in January’s East-West Shrine game. “For those who doubt me, shame on them. I’m going to make an NFL team very happy when I get the chance.”
4. Ultimate teammate
Lindsay is one of three players in the history of Colorado’s football program to serve three years as captain. He’s a born leader and will be a great addition to the Broncos locker room. “I take pride in every part of my game. Being a leader, leading by example…” he said in an interview with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro of Mile High Sports AM 1340. “It’s understanding that it’s not about me, it’s about a team. Doing my part.” Whatever part he plays with the Broncos, one things for certain, he’s going to give 110 percent.
5. Best hair in the NFL?
Ok, maybe Lindsay’s trademark afro won’t be the best hair in the NFL, but Broncos fans will most certainly recognize him with or without his helmet on. “Hell ya, I plan on keeping it,” Lindsay laughed about his afro in an interview with 9News reporter Aaron Matas. He’s also a pretty good interview, awarded the “Best Interview” award by CU’s beat writers the last two seasons.