Who is AJ Dillon? AJ Dillon, known as "Quadzilla," is a powerful running back for the Green Bay Packers. Born on May 2, 1998, in New London, Connecticut, Dillon's journey to the NFL is marked by impressive achievements. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 247 pounds, he played college football at Boston College, where he set records for rushing yards and touchdowns. Drafted by the Packers in 2020, Dillon quickly made a name for himself, sharing the backfield with Aaron Jones. Off the field, he is a dedicated family man and community supporter, even receiving the key to Door County, Wisconsin.
Early Life and Background
AJ Dillon's journey to the NFL began in New London, Connecticut. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.
- Nickname: Known as "Quadzilla," AJ Dillon's powerful running style earned him this fitting nickname.
- Birthplace: Born in New London, Connecticut, Dillon grew up in the same city.
- Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 247 pounds, Dillon's physical presence is formidable.
High School and College Career
Dillon's high school and college years were marked by impressive achievements that set him apart as a top prospect.
- High School Career: Dillon started at New London High School before transferring to Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts.
- High School Achievements: At Lawrence Academy, he rushed for 1,321 yards and 21 touchdowns in his second year, 1,887 yards and 26 touchdowns in his junior year, and 635 yards with 12 touchdowns in his senior year despite a broken leg.
- College Football: Dillon played for Boston College, becoming the school's all-time rushing yards leader with 4,382 yards.
- College Debut: In his first game, Dillon rushed five times for 20 yards against Northern Illinois.
- College Career Highlights: Notable performances include two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown against Richmond in 2017, and 223 yards with three touchdowns against North Carolina State in 2019.
- Career Records: Dillon holds Boston College records for most career rushing yards (4,382) and most career rushing touchdowns (38).
Transition to the NFL
Dillon's transition from college to the NFL was marked by significant milestones and achievements.
- NFL Draft: Declared for the 2020 NFL draft after his senior year.
- Draft Selection: The Green Bay Packers selected Dillon in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2020 NFL draft.
- Professional Career: Started as the No. 3 running back but quickly moved into the No. 2 role in his second year.
- 2021 Season: Led the Packers in rushing yards (803) and attempts (187), scoring five rushing touchdowns.
- 2022 Season: Nearly identical stats to the previous year, with 186 carries for 770 yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
Role in the Team
Dillon's role in the Green Bay Packers has evolved, showcasing his importance to the team.
- Shared Snaps: Dillon and Aaron Jones shared running back snaps, with Jones playing 630 snaps (57.6%) and Dillon playing 537 snaps (49.1%) in 2022.
- Competition for Role: Competing for the backup running back job behind Josh Jacobs, especially with rookie MarShawn Lloyd missing time due to injuries.
- Coaching Insights: Packers OC Adam Stenavich believes Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd will have significant opportunities in the 2024 season.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Beyond football, Dillon's personal life and community involvement highlight his character and dedication.
- Personal Life: Dillon is African-American and Jewish. His grandfather, Thom Gatewood, was an All-American college football player at Notre Dame and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Marriage and Family: Married Gabrielle Toonen on June 25, 2022. They have a son, Algiers Dillon III (nicknamed "Trey"), born on May 2, 2023.
- Community Involvement: Promoter of Door County, Wisconsin, and received the key to Door County in November 2021.
- Podcasting Career: Co-hosted the "Toonen to Dillon" podcast with Will Toonen from December 2021 to April 2022.
- Philanthropy: Involved in charitable activities, including visiting cancer patients and supporting Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Off-Field Activities and Media Appearances
Dillon's off-field activities and media presence further showcase his multifaceted personality.
- Off-Field Activities: Hosted youth football camps and participated in community events like the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game.
- Media Appearances: Frequently speaks to the media about his role in the team, personal life, and goals for the season.
Fantasy Football and Performance
Dillon's performance in fantasy football and on the field has been closely watched by fans and analysts.
- Fantasy Football Impact: Averaged only 7.8 PPR points per game in 2023, making it challenging to improve significantly.
- Preseason Performance: In the preseason opener against the Browns, Dillon had four carries for two yards.
- Training Camp Highlights: Focused on playing free and having fun, aiming to return to his high school and college form.
- Mental Approach: Working on a fresh mentality to play without the weight of expectations and impending fatherhood.
Career Milestones and Future Prospects
As Dillon's career progresses, he continues to achieve significant milestones and looks forward to future opportunities.
- Career Milestones: Nearing the end of his rookie contract, likely to seek a new deal soon.
- Fantasy Football Rankings: Often placed in the mid-tier running backs, reflecting consistent but not spectacular performance.
- Notable Plays: Includes a 35-yard catch-and-run with two truck sticks and a 40-yard pickup down the left sideline.
Community Recognition and Family Traditions
Dillon's contributions to the community and his family's rich football heritage are noteworthy.
- Community Recognition: Given the key to Door County for his contributions.
- Family Traditions: Grandfather was an All-American player at Notre Dame and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Personal Growth and Future Prospects
Dillon's personal growth and future prospects remain bright as he continues to develop both on and off the field.
- Personal Growth: Learned to manage his mental approach and maintain a positive outlook despite challenges.
- Future Prospects: Remains a key figure in the Packers' run game, with potential for further growth and development.
AJ Dillon: A Rising Star
AJ Dillon's journey from New London, Connecticut to the Green Bay Packers showcases his dedication and talent. Known as "Quadzilla", Dillon's powerful running style has made him a standout player. His record-breaking college career at Boston College set the stage for his professional success. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon quickly proved his worth, becoming a key player for the Packers. Off the field, he's a devoted family man and active in community service, earning recognition like the key to Door County. Dillon's commitment to both his sport and community highlights his character and potential for future growth. As he continues to develop, AJ Dillon remains a significant figure in the NFL, with fans eagerly watching his next moves. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and heart, making him a player to watch.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.