Tag Archives: phil epps

Epps, Phil

Card: Score 1989 Speedburner
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Phil Epps was actually on the roster of the Jets in the twilight of his career when this card came out in 1989, and due to print timing this card still showcased him in his Packers duds.

Phil was a world class sprinter and decathlete at TCU,  running a reputed 4.25 40 yard dash, the 60 in 6.07, (good enough for 9th fastest in the world,) and the 200 meters at 20.1.  Originally a flanker at TCU the tiny Phil Epps was a shade over 5’10”, 160, and was surprised to receive notice that he’d been drafted by the Pack. A track coach told him about it, and then informed him that his career was going to be in track, not in football. Undaunted Phil went to camp with the Packers and set his mind to making the roster.

Epps joined the Packers during the days of Jefferson and Lofton. He was able to come along quickly, especially aided by his speed and willingness to contribute where he could. Phil spent time at punt returner and really made an impact by his second season, returning a punt 90 yards for a touchdown. He was also a long bomb threat every time he touched the ball, averaging over 15 yards a reception in 5 out of his 7 seasons.  Epps best season was in 1985, recording 683 yards on 44 receptions and 3 touchdowns. After injuries and a holdout in 1988 claimed most of his season, he spent the next season on the roster of the Jets briefly before retiring. He currently lives in Grand Prarie, Texas, and makes it up to a Packers game once or twice a year.

G/Gs 95/45   Rec 200   Yds 2992      Avg 15.0       Td 14        Lg   63
Rush 11     Yds  135      Avg 12.3      Td 1     Lg  34
Kr 34          Yds 686      Avg  20.2    Td  0     Lg 48
Pr 100       Yds 819      Avg  8.2        Td 1      Lg   90t