Lonnie Phelps Jr.

Lonnie Phelps Jr. (born August 24, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Miami RedHawks and Kansas Jayhawks.

Early life Phelps grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Mount Healthy High School. He was rated a two-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Miami Redhawks of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

College career Phelps played in all 13 of the RedHawks' games as a freshman and had 4.5 sacks. Phelps was named third-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) at the end of his sophomore season. He was named second-team All-MAC as a junior after finishing the season with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Phelps entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the season.

Phelps ultimately transferred to Kansas. He had seven sacks and was named second-team All-Big 12 Conference in 2022. After the season Phelps announced that he would enter the 2023 NFL draft.

Professional career

Cleveland Browns Phelps went undrafted and was signed by the Cleveland Browns as a free agent on May 12, 2023. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and signed to the practice squad the following day.

He signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 15, 2024. On June 20, 2024, Phelps was waived by the Browns following a recent DUI arrest.

San Antonio Brahmas On February 22, 2025, Phelps signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL). He was released on May 12, 2025.

Houston Roughnecks/Gamblers On May 27, 2025, Phelps signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). He was released on March 19, 2026, but was re-signed on April 1.

Louisville Kings On May 4, 2026, Phelps was traded to he Louisville Kings in exchange for JaVonta Payton.

Personal life On June 19, 2024, Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence in Key West, Florida, after he crashed his SUV into a restaurant and refused to cooperate with police afterwards.