A true blood Texan has a lot on his plate, taking on and leading many projects in his new state Missouri.

In 1992, Ryon Phillips was born in Royse City, Texas, a small town right outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  With an athletic height and build, Ryon starting playing football at a very early age.  At linebacker, the coaches quickly started seeing potential in Phillips’ football tenure. As a public Christian, Ryon’s next obvious venture was to be a part of the FCA organization at his Royse City High School.  Being involved with traveling missions, it wasn’t too farfetched when he was offered to take his football talents to Missouri Southern here in Joplin, Mo.

Phillips was able to take advantage of his defensive football abilities by receiving defensive player of the week awards on multiple occasions his freshman year upon entering Missouri.  His mother, Rhonda, has been supportive throughout it all, attending every game of Ryons and even being a part of the MOSO Parent Pride group that supports the Lions in all their games.

Not forgetting his Christian foundation, Ryon joined the FCA and helped with all volunteer efforts they pursued, even on game days. After the graduation of Kellen Cox, Phillips is now the FCA director and leads up the meetings every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Phillips is now finishing up his junior year of studies at Missouri Southern. With half the season of football left this year he hopes to smell the roses in this last year and a half as a Missouri Southern Lion.  “It truly is a blessing to be here, and I’m hoping to grow both spiritually and as a player for our team,” he said.