Phillip Lindsay
A hometown hero who defied the odds as an undrafted rookie, exploding onto the NFL scene with a Pro Bowl season for the Denver Broncos.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American football player·Birthday: July 24·Millennials
Biography
Phillip Lindsay's story is a classic Denver folktale. A local kid from Aurora who starred at the University of Colorado, he entered the 2018 NFL Draft only to be passed over by every team. The Denver Broncos signed him as an undrafted free agent, a gesture that felt more sentimental than strategic. Lindsay, however, treated it as a declaration of war. From his first carry, he ran with a furious, chip-on-the-shoulder energy that electrified the Broncos' fanbase. He shattered expectations by rushing for over 1,000 yards in his debut season, earning a Pro Bowl invitation—the first undrafted offensive rookie ever to do so. His style was pure, unadulterated heart: a smaller back who refused to go down, fighting for every extra inch. Though injuries and team changes later slowed his trajectory, his initial explosion remains a powerful testament to the potency of local pride and relentless will.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Phillip was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Phillip Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Phillip's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl (2018).
- Rushed for 1,037 yards in his rookie season with the Denver Broncos.
- Set the University of Colorado record for career all-purpose yards (5,760).
- Was named a first-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2017.
Did You Know?
He and his brother, running back Zach Lindsay, played together at the University of Colorado.
In high school, he was a state champion in the 100-meter dash and the long jump.
He wore jersey number 30 for the Broncos as a tribute to the 30 NFL teams that passed on drafting him.
“They told me I was too small. I just needed one team to believe in me.”
