Latest news with #AJDillon
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Eagles running back AJ Dillon embraces mental challenges of chess to prepare for 'perfect' opportunity
A.J. Dillon wants to make a good impression when he takes the field with the reigning Super Bowl champions on Sept. 4. The running back spent his first five years in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, sharing touches with Aaron Jones for most of his tenure. Dillon missed the 2024 season with a neck injury, but the Philadelphia Eagles signed him in free agency - and it is obvious to see why he joined the Birds. "Coming off a Super Bowl, best offensive line in football, Saquon [Barkley]'s a guy I've known for a long time, so it really worked out perfect," Dillon told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I'm loving my role there, getting to know my teammates, Philly's a great city, they got awesome fans, food's great, football's great, and it's a great city. It's awesome to be out there, and I'm looking forward to the season." However, earlier this month, in an effort to fire up his mind before heading to training camp, Dillon joined several other NFL stars, including Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray and eventual winner Justin Reid in the BlitzChamps tournament. Reid also won the tournament last year. Dillon's results were not what he was hoping for, saying, "there's some chess sharks in the league," but he added the game of chess is an ideal mental warm-up for football. "I think the mental piece in football is such a big thing. I think when you talk about what sets people apart, because obviously, everybody's talented at the college level, and at the NFL, everyone's big and strong, but it's that mental piece," Dillon continued. "How quickly can you gather information? How can you think back into the scouting report, and so forth? "You can only do so much football, so still trying to challenge your mind, but also get your mind off of football. Chess is a great way, and trying to stimulate the mind in different ways, chess does that in a way where you're really thinking strategically, and there's a lot of correlations between chess and football, I think." Dillon was also able to raise money for his charity, which he started last year. "Being able to not only play chess and have fun, but also be able to have extra money to donate to a great cause like everybody else will be able to do for whatever they represent this is a huge blessing in itself," he added. The competitive nature in Dillon will not let him phone it in after one subpar tournament appearance, either. "Next time, I'll be a lot better. It definitely made me hungry. I'm a competitor," Dillon said. "It's OK, my first time. I know what the competition is like, so I gotta step it up. I got the app downloaded on the phone, so when I got some down time, definitely will play some exhibition matches and things like that. Definitely looking at shake up the tables next year." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Signing New RB Leads To 'Tush Push' Controversy Update
The Tush Push debate has been a hotly contested controversy for the last few seasons. The play, a variation of the quarterback sneak first run by the Philadelphia Eagles, reached it's apex in 2024 with it's usage by the team's win in Super Bowl LIX. Now, the rest of the league - or almost enough of the NFL's owners as a vote awaits - wants to see it banned. Advertisement And it has former adversaries turned teammates speaking out in defense of the play. One clear example is former Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon. The bruising 247-pound runner - nicknamed "Quadzilla'' for due to his massive power-weapon thighs - made it clear that while his former team was the group that submitted the ban of the Tush Push request onto the list of possible rule changes, he was on his new team's side. "Funny enough, I do a podcast with my brother-in-law and he's here in Green Bay where we started it and I was giving him a lot of flak for that," said Dillon, who signed a one-year deal to come to Philly. "You ban a play just because it works really well? How about you come up with a play to stop it? "Week 10 (Packers vs. Eagles) will be interesting. That will be a lot of fun and a lot of smack talking going on for sure." Advertisement It's easy to see Dillon's point of view here. It seems as though the Eagles are being punished over creating a virtually unstoppable play ... so rather than have defenses shut it down ... The NFL commissioner is arranging to do so. Philadelphia will be OK without the play as well. They remain a Super Bowl contender with, or without one of the better goal line plays to work with. And Dillon - who sat out last season because of a neck injury but who had 16 touchdowns in his first four seasons with Green Bay - may be a big help for the team as a muscular backup to superstar Saquon Barkley. Related: Eagles Ex Standout Linked As Right Fit For Rival Related: Eagles New Podcast Duo Offers Hilarious Gorilla Fight Take
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Packer helps give back to Green Bay community, packs 1,400 backpacks to fight hunger
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Former Green Bay Packer AJ Dillon and his wife Gabrielle gave back to Wisconsin communities with two special events in Appleton. In the morning, the Dillons helped pack and deliver 1,400 backpacks filled with snacks to children and families in need. The backpacks were part of their Carry for a Cause campaign, which ran throughout the NFL season. For every rushing yard Dillon earned during home games, one backpack was donated. Fans also chipped in, helping reach the total of 1,400 backpacks. The food will be given to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and House of Hope. Kaukauna hosts 6th Annual Breaking Boundaries Triathlon Later that day, the Dillons attended the first-ever Pickleball for a Purpose event at Pickleball Kingdom in Appleton. The fundraiser supports the Dillon Family Foundation, which helps families and fights hunger. The event included tournaments, open play on celebrity courts, and an interview between AJ Dillon and 10-year-old Bex from Up Next with Bex. Both events show the Dillons' commitment to making a difference and helping local families live healthier, happier lives. To learn more, visit or Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Running back AJ Dillon and Eagles agree on a 1-year contract, AP source says
Running back AJ Dillon and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed on a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract hasn't been finalized. Dillon sat out last season because of a neck injury. He ran for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first four seasons with Green Bay. Dillon provides a backup behind Saquon Barkley, the 2024 AP Offensive Player of the Year who set an NFL record for most yards rushing in a regular season and playoffs combined with 2,504, helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Kenny Gainwell, who got 75 carries in Philadelphia last season, left for Pittsburgh in free agency. The 25-year-old Dillon has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his career. The Eagles announced fullback and linebacker Ben VanSumeren is returning on a one-year contract, as confirmed by multiple sources including the team's official announcements. VanSumeren, a key contributor on special teams, played in 11 games before a knee injury sidelined him last season. ___
