Why Brian Phipps came out of retirement to play in Championship Series

It was supposed to be two friends catching up. Instead, it became an idea that turned into a major return at the 2026 Championship Series.

Former professional goalie Brian Phipps and New York Atlas defensive coordinator Joe Cinosky were having a conversation like old teammates do. Cinosky floated the idea of a return.

“It kind of came up and started almost as a joke,” Cinosky said. “I was like, ‘Hey, wanna come back and play?’ And his eyes lit up.”

Phipps was all about it.

“He floated the idea of me suiting up and I was like, ‘Yeah, I’d be interested,’” Phipps said. “I really enjoy the sixes aspect of the game. It’s really fast-paced, so I was excited.

“And it’s kind of like when Philip Rivers went back. It’d be fun to come back. Then I got the call from [then-Atlas offensive coordinator Steven] Brooks, and I was like, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Phipps broke the news on X on Jan. 14 with a photo of the NFL quarterback and the quote: “Dadgummit, let’s freakin go.”

Phipps — who had retired after the 2023 PLL season — will return to the league and play for the Atlas in the Championship Series from Feb. 27 through March 8. Phipps won an MLL championship with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2019 and made three MLL All-Star teams. He played his final three professional seasons with the Whipsnakes.

When he retired in 2023, Phipps told the PLL in an article: “Lacrosse will definitely be in my life.” Three years later, he decided to return. The people around him made this decision a little bit easier.

Phipps and Cinosky played together at the University of Maryland and for the Bayhawks in the MLL. They were both on that 2019 championship team for Chesapeake, and they talk regularly. Now they can run it back on the field one more time.

“I don’t think I’d be doing this if it weren’t for the relationship I have with [Cinosky],” Phipps said. “Playing with him for years definitely makes the transition easier into a new team. He’s one of the toughest competitors I’ve been around, and I got the vibe that he genuinely loves this team. He’s passionate, and that’s how I remember him in the locker room. So I’m excited.”

In the quest for a Championship Series trophy, Phipps, 38, brings a veteran presence between the pipes.

His acrobatic saves and fearless mentality have long been staples of his game. Three years ago in this same tournament, photos of his bruises went viral. From the knee down, Phipps’ leg was covered in black and blue. But the caption had a different story.

“And believe it or not, I did have fun,” Phipps wrote. “… Sign me up for round 2.”

Phipps is expected to see action but will primarily serve as the backup goalie to Will Mark.

“It’s not just about him being in the goal,” Cinosky said. “It’s his veteran presence. He can talk to guys as they come off the field. It’s like having an additional coach with us on the sidelines.

“I also think it’ll be great for Will to have someone there who’s seen it all and have a steady presence to guide him, because he’s going to be seeing a lot of rubber during this.”

The two netminders connected quickly.

“I reached out to Will right away and said I’d be here to help,” Phipps said. “I’ll give him advice and just be there to be supportive. Hopefully, I [can] share knowledge with the guys when I’m on the sideline but also have some fun. I’m just fortunate to have the opportunity to come back.”

After officially signing on Jan. 14, it was back to work for Phipps. A few years removed from lacrosse meant the grind was on, and he had a short period of time to get into game shape.

“Yeah, it’s probably been the most rigorous training I’ve done in my pro career,” Phipps said. “It’s definitely a longer road when you’re away from the game. But I’ve been working out, and the grind has been fun. It’s been great to get back into it.”

The return also reunites Phipps with former Bayhawks teammate and current Atlas midfielder Myles Jones.

Jones proved to be a matchup problem in last year’s Championship Series. He was named to the All-Tournament team after scoring 19 points (13G, 6A).

“I’m just glad he’s not shooting on me in games,” Phipps said with a laugh. “He had a great series last year. His size and skill set make him a great player, and it’s fun to reunite with MJ and have some fun out there.”

Phipps was a veteran presence during Jones’ rookie season in the MLL. In 2018, their Bayhawks team fell short in the semifinals. Eight years later, the pair has another chance to win a title.

“I feel like it would tie together that season we think about,” Jones said. “It’d be a full-circle moment to hoist a trophy with Phipps. He was there when I stepped on the field for the first time as a rookie, and now with him coming back this would be really special.”

Returning to the game brings back a feeling Phipps has missed.

“When the lights come on, being in that huddle and knowing it’s go time,” Phipps said. “I’m excited to be back in that environment — and now my kids, [who] are 4 and 2, get to watch me in a jersey.”