Sometimes indoor and arena football is the opportunity of a lifetime. It can be the catalyst that drives a player all the way from the couch to an NFL roster spot. That isn’t always the case though, as we found out when we sat down with Phillip Harding of the Washington Wolfpack.
The more we talked, the worse the situation seemed to get for the 6’2” receiver out of St. Vincent College. Resilience, and understanding that he could only control what he could control are the only reasons he made it to this point. Before we jump into everything, let’s give you a little background on the former PAC (conference) standout.
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Phillip Harding Before Arena Ball
Long before the fifty-yard game was ever a thought Phillip took the field for Baldwin High School in Pennsylvania. His four years as a starter, all while playing WR and DB, wouldn’t go unnoticed. Before the end of his HS career, he would get an offer from Cal (PA). His time with the Vulcans wouldn’t go quite as planned. His personal life would get in the way of his football dreams, and he would ultimately transfer to St Vincent’s.
Once he arrived on campus, things began to change. He admittedly had some growing up to do, and the smaller school and stable coaching staff would provide that. He would mature and absolutely ball out for the Bearkats. He would end his career with over 1300 yards and six TDs as a WR.
Phillip Harding Going Pro
The fall and spring after finishing college would see a good bit of attention come his way from several places. According to our conversation, he had even looks overseas, but the hassle and the length of time it took to get a passport ultimately prevented it. He would go to get arena looks but kept his options open before finally signing to play in Billings (in the CIF) for the 2023 season.
Billings would be a bit of a challenge for the indoor rookie. He wouldn’t see the field much in that first season. Coaching turnover and all-around frustration would set in before getting released. Already off on the wrong foot he would continue to stay in football shape and pursue the dream.
The 2024 season would see the CIF partially merge with the Arena Football League, which is where Harding would sign. The Minnesota Myth, a team that wouldn’t make it to the midpoint of the 2024 season, would be where he landed. The experience of being left high and dry by an ill-fated team, in a poorly run reboot would sting. Though it wasn’t an ideal start he would push on through the off-season and give it another shot. Through all of this, he even made a short stop in “The Arena League” with the Iowa Woo, but it wasn’t enough and he kept looking.
Once again he would sign with a franchise that seemed strong and stable, the Orlando Predators of the AF1. Training Camp would go well, the hype for the season would come to a head, but once again he was left high and dry. The Predators would drop out and essentially fold just days before the 2025 season.
Untimely disappointment and the fear of being left high and dry without a team have begun to challenge his love for the game. Once again, personal resilience would see him to another opportunity. Just shy of six weeks later the Lighting would call. Though he got an invite this wasn’t exactly a signing, as he would have a few days and practices to prove himself before he would get the chance to hit the field. Think “In-Season Tryout”.
So how did it turn out? Well, if you ask us (or him), it’s pretty solid for a player with next to no real arena football experience. He would hit the field for the first time against the Tritons, claiming his first score and yards, while proving he belonged. Harding would follow that up by snagging three more touchdowns against Washington, once again cementing himself as an up-and-coming star. In his five games, he would end up with 4 TDs, 300 yards, and 15 catches.
What’s Next for the AF1 Up-and-Comer?
Well as of this offseason, he has signed on to score touchdowns for, not against, Coach JR Wells in Washington. The roster that the Wolfpack is putting together is much improved and Phillip is more than just a part of that, but could actively contribute as more than a player.
See he started Harding Scouting this offseason, a small up-and-coming scouting agency he plans to grow from the ground up. The idea is to start it while he is in the sport and it will be a bit of a plan for life after football. Thus far he has had around fifteen athletes placed on rosters.
Not only does he contribute to the sport on and off the field, but he also has lofty goals for the 2026 season. The resilient wide receiver wants to see his TDs and yards to lead all of the AF1. Saying “ I want that 25 to 30 (Touchdown) mark”. It isn’t all about his own stats; he wants to be on and help build a team that can and will win, his eyes are set on the Arena Crown following week 15.
Overall, the short time we spent interviewing Phillip was enjoyable for everyone. The insights into a raw, no-punches-pulled, journey to this point, from an athlete who loves the game. When you click over to watch the AF1, be sure to watch for #11, you’ll probably see him above the walls or crossing the goalline.
Phillip Harding Highlight Film:
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