It Wasn’t Just a Bad Day – It Was AJ Dillon’s Worst Year, and He Did the Unthinkable

The year 2024 was supposed to be a breakout season for Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon. After an offseason of intense training and praise from coaches, he was ready to lead the backfield. But everything unraveled in August. A neck injury during a joint practice with the Denver Broncos landed him on injured reserve. Season over—before it ever began.

For most players, this kind of blow would’ve meant retreating into silence or self-pity. But for Dillon, the challenges were only beginning. Off the field, he was quietly supporting his mother-in-law through a grueling battle with breast cancer. Between rehab and hospital visits, Dillon faced physical pain and emotional exhaustion—day after day.

Yet instead of vanishing, he showed up. Not just for his family, but for his community. He and his wife launched the Dillon Family Foundation to combat hunger in Wisconsin. He spoke about his mother-in-law’s journey during the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” campaign, offering strength to families fighting similar battles. He did all of it without ever playing a single down that year.

Then came another twist—his time with the Packers came to an end. In March 2025, Dillon signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. A new chapter. A fresh start.

But to those who followed his journey, his true legacy in Green Bay was never about stats. It was about heart. In his worst year, when no one would’ve blamed him for walking away, AJ Dillon chose to rise. Not for headlines. Not for glory.

But because real strength isn’t measured in carries. It’s measured in character.