Background and career
Philip Gregory Wheeler (born December 12, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Wheeler was also a member of the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals.
In 2000, Wheeler, a sophomore, helped lead the Shaw High School football team to win the Georgia High School Association's AAAA Football State Championship. As a senior, he was named as an Honorable Mention All-Region selection by PrepStar and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named him as a first team Class AAAA All-State selection.
In the 2005 season, Wheeler recorded 65 total tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, eight passes defended, and one forced fumble. In the 2006 season, he recorded 89 total tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. In the 2007 season, he recorded 89 total tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, six sacks, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Wheeler was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round (93rd pick) of the 2008 NFL draft. He played for the Colts from 2008 to 2011.
Wheeler signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders on March 30, 2012. He had a career year totaling 109 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Wheeler signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 12, 2013, to a 5-year, $25 million deal with $13 million guaranteed. Wheeler was brought in to replace Kevin Burnett. Wheeler was released by the Dolphins on March 10, 2015.
