Music kept Jaelan Phillips' NFL dream alive.

Jaelan Phillips medically retired from football in 2018 and turned to music production before returning to play at Miami and entering the 2021 draft; he signed with the Carolina Panthers in March on a four-year deal and says music remains central to his life.

Jaelan Phillips stepped away from football in 2018 after concussions and surgery related to a separate wrist injury, and he turned to music production while planning a future outside the game. He studied music production at Los Angeles Community College and later returned to play at the University of Miami in 2020, in part because of the school's program. Phillips was selected in the 2021 NFL draft and later signed with the Carolina Panthers in March on a four-year contract. Music has remained a meaningful part of his identity through injuries and career changes. Key points: - Phillips medically retired in 2018, pursued music production, and worked in studios while away from football. - He returned to play at Miami in 2020 and was selected in the 2021 NFL draft. - In March he signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. - He experienced major injuries in 2023 and 2024 that required surgery, and he has stated his goal this year is to turn pass-rush disruption into more sacks. Summary: Music helped Phillips maintain an identity during his 2018 retirement and continues to shape his life as he joins the Panthers. He signed a four-year deal in March and has said his on-field focus this year is increasing sack production. Undetermined at this time is how that will affect team performance.