Memorial Stadium
Phil Bates

Honors & Awards

  • 7th Round NFL Draft Pick (Detroit Lions, 175th Overall)

1981 (Senior)
Phil took over for Andra Franklin as the Huskers’ starting fullback and responded by picking up 555 yards and averaging more yards per carry (5.9) than any starting fullback under Tom Osborne. Phil set an NU record for fullbacks with 7 touchdowns, a record that has since been surpassed. Phil was also named to the 1981 All-American strength team. Bates scored the only points in NU’s 6-0 win over Missouri with a 2-yard burst in the final 23 seconds. 

1980 (Junior)
Phil picked up 90 yards on 14 carries as a junior while backing up Andra Franklin. Nebraska finished the season with a Sun Bowl win against Mississippi State (31-17). 

1979 (Redshirt)
Bates redshirted after transferring from Ellsworth, Iowa, Junior College. 

Omaha Burke
Bates played high school football at Omaha Burke, He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymon Webster. Phil's son, Phillip, played college football at Iowa State and played one year in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks.