Salt & Light: Casey Phillips on Faith, Football, and Overcoming Adversity

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Sam and Clif are joined by Casey Phillips—Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter, Mizzou Tiger, and Texas native. Casey shares her journey in sports media, guided by God’s providence and timing, and talks about living with purpose, integrity, and hope even when life hits hard. This conversation embodies what it means to go first, give space, and grow hope—on and off the field.

Key Highlights

• Casey’s path began in Texas high school and included early internships, leading her to roles as a team reporter for major organizations like the Wizards, Rams, and Buccaneers. She attributes her career progression to a sense of calling, expressing surprise and gratitude for the opportunities she’s received.

• Casey is intentional about making her faith visible in her work environment. She supports players by being present, helps new arrivals connect with local churches, and strives to ensure her actions reflect her beliefs, so her faith is consistent with how she conducts herself.

• Handling every story and interview with care and honor. Casey ensures her actions line up with her beliefs, especially when she invites players to church.

• Facing adversity head on: Casey’s season of battling autoimmune disease and tearing her ACL, and why she believes. She lives out the truth in James 1:2 and Romans 5:3, seeing trials shape endurance and hope.

• She offers candid advice for those experiencing hardship, reminding them that difficult moments are not the end and that better days are ahead.

• Casey celebrates the growing presence of girls’ flag football and initiatives like the She Is Football Scholarship. Her message to young women is to remain true to themselves and not compromise their identity for their ambitions.

References

• “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young – Sam’s devotional gift to teammates, a lifeline for both Sam and Casey in hard seasons: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884

• Ephesians 3:20 – “Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”

• James 1:2; Romans 5:3 – “Consider it pure joy…perseverance…hope…”

• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (Casey is the upcoming Tampa patient honoree at this fall’s gala): https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/