So much is made of what Harrison Phillips can do on the football field. Yes, he’s an imposing presence along the defensive front with the ability to make opposing quarterbacks cry uncle from time to time.
But honestly, it’s the work he does off the field that makes the real difference.
Smacking helmets in the trenches on football’s biggest stage is the side hustle as opposed to his contributions to the community. Fundraising, visiting sick children in hospitals, helping kids with special needs—that’s the real work for Phillips.
With the Vikings reporting this week for voluntary offseason workouts, he took the time to step out and get acquainted with the new community he’ll be a part of after signing a three-year deal with the team in free agency. And of course, that meant visiting Children’s Minnesota Hospital.
“Appreciate all my new friends over at [Children’s Minnesota] for helping me get my feet wet here in the twin cities! I didn’t get a Bingo, but I got to read Victor the Vikings book a few times,” Phillips posted on social media.
Appreciate all my new friends over at @childrensmn for helping me get my feet wet here in the twin cities! I didn't get a Bingo, but I got to read Victor the Vikings book a few times!🙏
#SKOL pic.twitter.com/Mtp5QOgVqw— Harrison Phillips (@horribleharry99) April 14, 2022
Phillips, a two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee, has a long track record of being involved in the community and giving back.
During his time with the Buffalo Bills, he created “Harrison’s Playmakers,” which is an annual camp for at-risk and mentally-challenged children. It’s good to see him jumping right in and continuing to use his platform for uplifting positivity and for the betterment of his community.
The Vikings got more than just a good football player with this signing.