Phillip Tanner (born August 8, 1988) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Middle Tennessee State University. Early years Tanner attended Justin F. Kimball High School, where, as a junior he was named All-district after posting 1,395 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. As a senior, he rushed for 1,705 yards and scored 29 touchdowns, on his way to being named All-district and District Player of the Year. He finished his high school career with 4,275 rushing yards and 76 touchdowns. He also lettered in track competing in the 100 metres. College career Tanner accepted a football scholarship from Middle Tennessee State University. As a true freshman, he played 13 games as a defensive back in nickel situations, tallying 16 tackles and one sack. He also practiced track, competing in the 4 × 100 metres relay team. As a sophomore, he was switched to running back, playing in nine games (one start), while recording 64 carries for 299 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a junior, he played in 12 games (4 starts), leading the team in rushing yards (714) and rushing touchdowns (15), while also becoming the first player in Sun Belt Conference history to receive both Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Week awards in the same week. Tanner became a full-time starter as a senior, but was forced to redshirt after starting two games, because of a bone contusion he suffered in his knee during the second contest of the season. He started 2 games and rushed for 83 yards. As a redshirt senior in 2010, he recorded 13 starts, 160 carries for 928 yards (led the team), a 5.8-yard average, 21 receptions for 194 yards and 13 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 430 carries for 2,024 yards (4.7-yard avg.) and 33 touchdowns. He also lettered in track. Professional career Dallas Cowboys Tanner was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2011 NFL Draft. On August 21, playing against the San Diego Chargers at Cowboys Stadium, he lost his helmet while scoring a touchdown in the second half of the game. A new rule canceled the touchdown, because it states that if any player loses his helmet while receiving, running, or intercepting a football, the play will end once the helmet