Apr 17, 2020

Senior Profile: Phillip Nichols

4/17/2020 1:55:00 PM

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The Wheaton Athletics Website is profiling various seniors across an array of sports programs over the next few months. Today's profile is with senior Phillip Nichols of the Thunder football team.

Q: How did you end up at Wheaton and what were some of the things that helped you make that decision?

A: I came to Wheaton because when I first met some of the older guys on the team I knew I wanted to be like them. They are guys that loved the Lord, had character and loved football. Something was different about Wheaton, and I liked it. I remember walking down to football chapel on a gameday visit and talked to Andrew Bowers, the starting quarterback at the time. We talked for about ten minutes and he didn’t once talk about his success or the game the next day, but asked me about my high school season and told me about Wheaton Football. That and Coach Swider sold Wheaton for me.

Q: What is your favorite game from your time at Wheaton?

A: Any North Central win is special. They are a strong team, so you know it’s going to be a good tough game. We went 4-1 in those games over my four years and every one of those wins were great.

Q: What are some other favorite memories you have in your time on the football team?

A: Some of my favorite memories are listening to friends Senior Shares at football chapel and our Wheaton Football Ministry Partnership (WFMP) trips. Listening to how guys have grown into men during their time at Wheaton is something you hear over and over again at Football Chapel. That time is really special for us. The WFMP mission trips that a lot of us go on over over spring break are hard work, but just as rewarding and I think it’s really cool to see former Wheaton Football players in different countries in the mission field proclaiming the name of Jesus.

Q: What impact have your coaches had on you?

A: All my coaches have had a tremendous impact on my life. Each in their own way. But I think overall I’ve learned leadership lessons and that our relationship with Jesus should be apparent in every part of our lives, even football. The coaches do a good job of showing us what this looks like. Leadership lessons I’ve learned are that people like to follow an inspirational life, they follow passion, rules without relationships equal rebellion and people are drawn to a cause that is greater than one person. Football is unique from any other college sport because of the amount of time you spend with the coaches and players off the field in preparation for gameday. The coaches at Wheaton are dedicated to developing young men in their relationships with the Lord, in their relationships with teammates and developing leadership qualities.

Q: You participated in Northwestern University’s Pro Day earlier this year, what was that experience like for you? How did you feel about your performance?

A: The ProDay was a great experience. I love football, so just being given the opportunity to play it a little longer after I graduate is fun for me. I was really excited after, I remember sitting on the turf at Northwestern’s indoor practice facility after the ProDay was over and just thanking the Lord for how it went.

Q: You have had some interest from some NFL teams recently, meeting with them as they prepare for the upcoming draft and work to add players to their teams for the 2020 season. What has that experience been like?

A: I think the first thing I learned is how much I didn’t know about the whole process that you go through. Fortunately Wheaton has sent some players to the league so I used those connections to get a grasp of it. It’s been an exciting process though that you have to take in for what it is as you go through every step.

Q: You are a Biology major at Wheaton and Academic All-CCIW award winner? What has your academic experience been like?

A: Balancing school and Football in college is challenging, especially as a freshman new to college. But you tend to get a grip what you need to do to prepare for class and practice. I think there’s a lesson in learning to do this though. You will always have multiple responsibilities in every part/season of your life. For example with your work-family balance.

Q: What are your plans following graduation?

My plans are on pause while I’m working out for NFL teams. Service is important for me though, so I think I’ll be in the Army in some capacity after I graduate and I hope to further Christ and His Kingdom wherever the Lord takes me.