Former Lee’s Summit West, K-State star pursues dream of playing for hometown Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Of the 83 players in uniform during Kansas City Chiefs training camp, one stood out. Not in size, reputation or paycheck, but in his love for the Chiefs.

That would be wide receiver No. 88 Phillip Brooks, who grew up dreaming of playing for this team.

“It’s a dream come true,” Brooks said. “And it’s a thrill for me.”

The Lee’s Summit West grad starred at Kansas State, helping lead the Wildcats to the 2022 Big 12 Championship.

“We had a squad,” Brooks reflected, “so I’m not surprised seeing all these guys at this level.”

And his college experience helped prepare him for the NFL.

“He’s played against Alabama and Texas, so he’s seen these athletes before and played at a high level,” Phillip Brooks Sr. said of his son.

The former Wildcat was named First-Team All-Big 12 in 2020. Two years later, he was Second-Team all-conference. And that success gave him a huge boost.

ALSO READ: Edwards scores twice in Wildcats debut as No. 18 K-State cruises to 41-6 win in opener

“It’s been fantastic for him,” mom Alaina Brooks said. “It has shown him ‘If I work at it, I can achieve it.’”

And he took that can-do attitude into Chiefs training camp this summer.

“You can’t stress yourself out about trying to make the team or getting more plays,” Phillip said.

At 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds, Brooks was the smallest man on the field. And as an undrafted free agent, he entered camp ranked behind almost every other receiver.

“Oh, it’s always a challenge,” he said. “Especially being undrafted and things like that. You’re already starting behind the 8-ball.”

While camp can be grueling, the Kansas City kid loved every minute. parents couldn’t believe their son was practicing with some of the biggest stars in the game.

ALSO READ: Chiefs’ Andy Reid on new in-game interviews: ‘I’ve got to do it ... but don’t expect much’

Phillip itted that being in the huddle with Patrick Mahomes was a thrill.

“We told him to ‘soak it up as much as you can,’” his dad said.

While practice was exciting, putting on the uniform and hitting the field at Arrowhead was even more special.

“It was amazing,” Brooks said. “I said it last game, every time I’m in the stadium, it reminds me of me growing up, coming to games with my family.”

His mom and dad were able to see their son play in both home preseason games.

“I’m so proud of him,” Alaina said. “I can’t put into words what a mother feels when their son is achieving what they work so hard for.”

In the end, Phillip was caught up in the numbers crunch at wide receiver and was unable to make the Chiefs final roster.

Brooks has his business degree from Kansas State and is close to finishing a master’s degree. He loved his Chiefs experience and has not given up on his dream to play in the NFL.

And nobody who saw him star at K-State doubts that he can play the game.

ALSO READ: Patrick Mahomes new State Farm ad featuring ‘Ted Lasso’ actor taped at Kansas City-area school

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.