Nicknamed “Chief” by his Commodore teammates because of his Cherokee heritage, Phil King stands as one of the all-time legends of Vanderbilt football. This Dyersburg native led all Vanderbilt football carriers in rushing for three consecutive years from 1955 to 1957, averaging over five yards per carry.
Though playing in the SEC’s era of dominating defenses, conservative offenses, and fewer games, his 1717 yards remains seventh on Vanderbilt’s all-time career rushing list. In 1957 he was an absolute workhorse, leading the team in receiving (he was ranked third in the SEC), punt, and kickoff return yardage. With stats like that, it comes as no surprise that King was a First-Team All-SEC selection in 1956 and as a prelaw student was an Academic All-American as well.
King’s credentials led to his selection to play in the Blue-Gray Classic in 1957 and the Senior Bowl and College all-star game in 1958. A first round draft pick of the New York Giants, King was voted NFL Rookie of the Year and played from 1958 to 1963. He played in the NFL championship game five of his six years with New York. King left the Giants in 1964 and played one season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, before closing out his brilliant football career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1965-1966. One of the greatest players in Commodore football history, Phil King is truly a “Chief” among men.