AJ Dillon is known as a powerhouse running back, striking fear into linebackers who have to try to drag him to the ground. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2000, the man carries not only the football, but several defenders on his back throughout the game. Dillon was affectionately named by fans as Quadzilla, in reference to his enormous quads. Just picture cement pylons in football pants.
This year after fan-favorite Aaron Jones was released and signed with the Vikings, the Packers picked up All-Pro Josh Jacobs, a running back first drafted by the Oakland Raiders (Las Vegas Raiders) in 2019. In March the Raiders still wanted Jacobs but were outbid by the Packers.
We talked with him about teammate Aaron Jones, Door County, trading cards and more.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Will you miss playing with the beloved Aaron Jones?
He’s a great guy and I got to know him well. I loved working with him and our entire running back crew.
How does it feel to watch him move on in his career?
He’s a great friend of mine and I love both him and his family. He’s truly a phenomenal back and as a friend I wish him nothing but success. Not the team he’s with, but him. (He laughs.) Getting traded is part of the game and you don’t take it personally. We know this coming into the game.
Do you pick up tips and moves from other backs in the league?
You’re always picking up things from other backs. That’s part of being a pro athlete. You can pick something up from an All-Pro, from a rookie, from the defense. You’re constantly trying to get better. To know each other better and work well together.
You and Aaron Jones were referred to as lighting and thunder when playing together.
I don’t pay too much attention to that kind of stuff. I post on my own on social media. I think social media is a blessing and a curse. I like to spread positivity, share some of the initiatives I’m involved with.
In your career do you accept that sometimes you’re referred to as a role player?
I don’t react in any way to comments like that. I’m a professional athlete. Once I step on the playing field I’ve got a job to do. The best players fulfill that role, they’re unselfish. Some people may need the spotlight but I don’t. When it needs to be done I want to be the player that can do it.
You’re a big trading card collector and you’ve written knock-knock jokes on your Panini autograph cards. What’s up with that?
I love collecting and have done some local card shows in Wisconsin. I wanted to do something special for the cards, and I’d always just signed my name. It’s just a little something extra. I only write family-themed jokes, clean jokes.
Were you a bit discouraged about coming to such a small market like Green Bay?
I love Green Bay and my wife is from here. After I was drafted in 2020 and realized that was where I was going, I embraced it. I moved here with no furniture. I met my wife during my rookie year and she showed me around. I got to know the people here. I’ve never left during the off season. I can see myself staying here after my playing days are over.
You’ve received some special recognition in Door County.
I absolutely love Door County, can’t get enough of it. I go there on my days off. I’ve been there so often they gave me the key to Door County. Some refer to me as the Mayor of Door County. They gave me the key to Door County, I’m thought of as their Mayor. I’m just trying to be part of these communities.
