BCLions.com Staff

VANCOUVER -- “RP” to friends and “Arguably” to teammates after being described as “arguably the team’s best dancer” in his 2008 bio, Ryan Phillips is anything but shy. The Seattle native and Eastern Washington grad makes his home just two hours down the road in the off-season and is the third contributor for bclions.com’s According To… feature.

Now 90 games into a career that started out in a free agent camp in Portland in 2005, the veteran halfback has pulled down 22 interceptions over five seasons and is itching to get back on the field. While training camp is still a few months in the offing and entertaining his four year-old son takes up most of his day, RP took a run at the thoughts below and provided ‘arguably’ some of the most enlightening responses yet. The bolded words or prompts were supplied, the rest is all Ryan.

Seattle is the place I call home. That community is a place I would always want to give back to.

When I was growing up I always wanted to be a football player. Being around football and a positive upbringing prepared me for that goal.

My position as a defensive back isn't easy. I take pride in trying to shut down the best receivers the CFL has to offer.

Interceptions are something I take much pride in. Everybody can’t get them but I have been fortunate enough to have a few in my day.

My family is my ultimate support system. Without them I would be nothing.

Music is definitely something I’m passionate about. The feeling I get when it comes on is indescribable.

The off-season is a time to recover from the long season and be with family.  It’s also a time to give back to those in need.

As a CFL veteran everyone should take some time to help out rookies and school them on the ins and outs of the game.  You will be surprised how far that goes with people.

Winning is the ultimate satisfaction in professional sports. There was no greater feeling then winning the Grey Cup in 2006.

I admire volunteers that take the time out to work with kids in need.  Their time is something that is priceless.

My son is my pride, joy, everything and my world.  The real reason I get up and work hard every day.

I want to be the best father I can be.  That’s what is most important to me.

I am looking forward to the upcoming season.  There are a lot of goals I want to accomplish this year, as a team and on a personal level.

British Columbia is a beautiful place and is a second home for me. I appreciate everything the province has to offer.

I have always believed that you get out what you're willing to put in. Effort, dedication and commitment go a long way.

Football has taught me not to take success for granted. It can be taken away from you in an instant if you lose focus.

In the future I want to pursue teaching and coach football.  Teenagers are an age group that I feel I connect with on many levels.

Patience is something that will be tested in everyday life. No matter what career you choose, someone will put it to the test.

I regret not being dedicated to academics when I was in high school. You never realize how much of difference life could have been until it's too late.

When in doubt I always turn back to family.  Your immediate family seems to always love you unconditionally.

I learned lately that everyone doesn’t always have your best interests in mind. Just remember, no one will look after you like you will.

I will never understand why and how some men can abandon their kids. My son is the greatest thing to ever happen to me.

Fans are the inspiration and the pride of the team. Without them there are no BC Lions.

I have always wanted to play Michael Jordan one-on-one. Even though I would probably lose I think I would put up a good fight! (yeah right!)

Looking back I hope the time I put in with kids will make an immediate and positive impact in their lives.

Practice is something that no player really wants to do. But as a professional you realize how important it is for preparation.

I know that in the long run, Ryan Phillips the person goes a lot further than Ryan Phillips the athlete.