A. J. Dillon


Algiers Jameal William Dillon is an American football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He played college football at Boston College.

Early years

Dillon attended Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts. As a junior he rushed for 1,887 yards and 26 touchdowns. As a senior, he played in only four games due to a broken leg and rushed for 635 yards with 12 touchdowns. He ran a 4.56 40-yard dash and was named MVP of Nike's Opening. Dillon originally committed to the University of Michigan to play college football but eventually flipped his commitment and signed with Boston College.

College career

Freshman season

As a freshman at Boston College in 2017, Dillon played in all 13 games and rushed for a Boston College freshman record 1,589 yards on 300 carries with 14 touchdowns. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year.

Sophomore season

In his sophomore season, Dillon played in only 10 of 13 games, due to an ankle injury suffered against Temple on September 29, 2018. Despite being somewhat limited due to his injury, Dillon still recorded 1,149 total yards and 11 touchdowns, making him the first player in Boston College history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. The Eagles officially did not make postseason, as the First Responder Bowl was declared a no contest after lightning early in the game. In the short time before lightning ended the event, he ran for 33 yards on six carries, including a touchdown run of 19 yards.

Junior season

In a game against Clemson on October 26, 2019, Dillon scored his 34th touchdown at Boston College with a 9-yard rush in the second quarter that tied him with Keith Barnette for Eagles' career rushing touchdowns record. Then in the third quarter, Dillon rushed for another 9-yard for his 3,739 yards career rushing yards that tied him with Andre Williams' record set in 2013.
On December 10, 2019, Dillon announced that he will forgo his senior year eligibility at Boston College and declared for 2020 NFL draft. Dillon holds the program's all-time rushing record with 4,382 yards in three seasons and is 220 yards short of Atlantic Coast Conference career rushing record. His 38 career rushing touchdowns, 40 total touchdowns and 4,618 all-purpose yards are also program records.

College statistics

Professional career

Dillon was drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the 62nd pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 1, 2020.

Personal life

His grandfather, Tom Gatewood, played college football at the University of Notre Dame.