AJ Dillon has been idolized by the Green Bay Packers’ fan base since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. His bruising power rushing style and his ability to run over defenders is must-watch football. Fans become ecstatic watching the Boston College product brush off tacklers and carry defenders an extra three-to-four yards before being brought down.

As the second head of the two-headed monster of a backfield the Packers boast, Dillon played just under half (49.1%) of the offensive snaps in 2022. In a year where many predicted he would make the jump to RB1-level of performance, Dillon merely replicated his performance the year prior.

In the 2021 season, Dillon logged 803 yards on 187 carries with five scores on the ground, all team-highs. This past season, Dillon recorded 770 yards on 186 carries and a team-high seven rushing scores. The Packers didn’t see enough out of Dillon this past season to warrant moving on from Aaron Jones, who recorded his third 1,000-yard rushing season.

“I wanted to put myself in the best position to get a contract … I want to make sure [my family is] stable” Dillon explained (via Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal) .“It wasn’t a bad year or anything like that, but it wasn’t the year I was hoping for last year. So, obviously there’s things I need to work on.”

Dillon has been a fan favorite since joining the team, with his love and philanthropy for Door County rewarded him with the symbolic key to the city. He has also taken up a heavy involvement in local charities and has expressed on multiple occasions how much he loves the Green Bay area.

“I love Green Bay. Green Bay knows that. I love the Packers. The Packers know that. I’d play here until I can’t run anymore. I’ll pick up long snapper or whatever it is when I start slowing down. But there’s only so much I can control” (via Wilde).

Dillon is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has expressed his desire to remain with the Packers. Going into the 2023 NFL season, Dillon is a valuable asset to the team; and his work in the community and his love for the fanbase cannot be ignored.

It is rare for a player to assimilate themselves into the community as much as Dillon has. It is even rarer for that player to also perform at a high level on the field. Dillon is capable of doing just that, and I look forward to watching him earn every dollar of the next contract he’s offered. Regardless of how well he performs this season, I for one hope the Packers re-sign him as he is truly a one-of-a-kind type of person.

AJ Dillon Continues to be an All-Time Fan Favorite Player

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AJ Dillon Continues to be an All-Time Fan Favorite Player

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