New York Giants’ turbulent 2025 campaign took another unwelcome turn this week as the NFL issued a disciplinary action against rising defensive standout Dru Phillips. The young cornerback, one of the few consistent bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season for New York, was handed a fine for unnecessary roughness—an incident that now adds to the team’s growing list of concerns as they hit the final stretch of the year.
NFL penalizes Phillips for hit deemed excessive
The league’s ruling stems from a third-quarter play in the Giants’ matchup against the New England Patriots, where Phillips delivered a forceful tackle on running back TreVeyon Henderson. Though the officials opted not to throw a flag during the game, the NFL later reviewed the hit and labeled it “unnecessary roughness” for contact with a “defenseless player.” The result: a $7,292 fine levied against the 23-year-old defensive back.
According to the league, Henderson was in the midst of bobbling a check-down pass near the sideline when Phillips closed in and made the tackle. With Henderson appearing to lose control of the ball while drifting out of bounds, the league determined that Phillips’ level of force exceeded what was necessary in the moment.
While the financial penalty represents only a small fraction of Phillips’ 2025 earnings, the timing of the fine—arriving just as New York Giants enter their bye week—adds an extra layer of irritation for a player who has otherwise built an impressive individual résumé this season.
A standout in a struggling year for New York
Despite Giants’ collective struggles, Phillips has emerged as one of the defense’s most reliable contributors. Now in his second NFL season, the former Kentucky standout has registered two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and over 50 tackles—numbers that underscore both his growth and his importance to New York’s long-term plans.
Giants selected Phillips in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and at just 23 years old, he has developed into a cornerstone player in the team’s secondary. With New York preparing for significant roster adjustments heading into 2026, Phillips remains one of the few talents the franchise is expected to prioritize.
New York Giants face renewed pressure ahead
While the fine does not carry competitive consequences, it does represent another unwelcome headline for a team seeking stability. For Giants, who entered December already grappling with unmet expectations, the NFL’s decision serves as yet another hurdle in a season filled with them.