By Paul Bretl: 7/24/2024
Playing on a one-year deal with almost no guaranteed dollars leaves a lot of uncertainty for Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon as he heads into his fifth NFL season. Unlike past seasons, he’s no longer a roster lock. However, whatever lies ahead for Dillon, he is at peace knowing the work he put in during the offseason.
“Shoot, just be the best I can,” said Dillon when asked what he wants out of this season. “I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m leaving no regrets, man, and doing every single thing I can and try to get better every day. Best offseason I’ve had. Year 5 in the offense like I was saying, I know what I’m doing.
“So leaving no stone unturned, whether it’s two yards, 2,000 yards, 2 million yards, I’m giving everything I got and I can sleep–put my head down on the pillow everyday and know I worked my ass off. That’s it. Being a great leader for the young guys we have on the team and trying to be an example of how you do it the right way.”
During the Packers first OTA practice back in May that was open to the media, there were three players that stood out because they physically looked different: Carrington Valentine and Colby Wooden, both of whom bulked up, and Dillon, who looked more trim, while still maintaining his muscle mass.
At his locker on Monday, Dillon said that he’s typically been around 250 pounds and at 8-9 percent body fat. But this training camp, he is around 245 pounds and five percent body fat. To get there, Dillon worked his tail off, as he put it, altering his diet and doing the extra workouts–really whatever it took.
“Just trying to trim off what you can but it’s more just a mindset ‘I work my tail off,’ said Dillon. “We’re getting all the non-toxic stuff and we’re eating all the grass fed beef, and just like doing everything–drinking water instead of soda. Doing the extra running. Doing the extra stairs. I heard a quote and I don’t know who it’s by, but it’s like you wake up and you have a good day, and you’re like, alright, tomorrow I’ll go out there and do the same thing. Then you realize this is my new normal. I just have good days and that’s just kind of what it became in the offseason.”
The result of this hard work is already showing up on the practice field with what looks like added burst and acceleration that Dillon now has. There was one run in particular during Tuesday’s practice where a hole opened up in the middle and Dillon burst through it for a long touchdown, out running the Packers’ defenders.
“This is the best I’ve seen him, so hands down, and I think he’d tell you the same,” said Matt LaFleur. “I think it’s just a testament to the work that he’s put in. He came back. He’s in great shape.
“Shoot, I was joking with him the other day, you can see the abs on him. That’s hard for a big man to do. He looks like he’s in great shape. I think he’s in a great place mentally. Obviously we know what he’s capable of doing, and I think he’s in a really good position to show his best.”
That big play ability is what has been missing from Dillon’s game last season. Although Dillon improved as the year went on, he would still average only 3.4 yards per rush attempt. Dillon’s eight carries of 10-plus yards ranked 47th out of 58 eligible running backs. He also ranked 42nd in average yards after contact, which is supposed to be his calling card as a physical back.
In an effort to generate more big plays, if part one of that equation is being in excellent shape, Dillon has checked that box. But part two is making sure that when the ball is in his hands, his natural abilities are taking over.
By Dillon’s own admission, and running backs coach Ben Sirmans has agreed, there are times when Dillon is overthinking on the field, and rather than reacting to what’s happening and letting his combination of speed and power take over, he’s pressing, which can slow him down.
“That’s part of the things that we’ve talked about with him,” said Sirmans last season. “That’s why I keep saying, I just want to make sure he’s not out there pressing because you’re right, that year (2020), it looked like he was going to be a different type of dude. That’s something I talk to him about.
“I think that as he tries to elevate his game, sometimes you can overthink your abilities and just get out there and play. If you’re out there thinking too much about how I need to do this or I need to be this type of guy, that’s going to take away from you playing natural football. So that’s the biggest thing, just get out there and be natural. Let your abilities speak for themselves.”
What we know at the running back position right now is that Josh Jacobs will be the lead back and rookie Marshawn Lloyd will be on the roster, although how heavy his workload is as a rookie remains to be seen. If the Packers release Dillon, they incur a dead cap hit of only $167,500–so as already mentioned, he is far from a roster lock, especially with Emanuel Wilson also competing for a spot on the 53-man.
However, there is certainly value that Dillon can add to this roster, regardless of what his role is. Although the big play ability was missing, Dillon knows the offense inside and out, and has been a very reliable option for the Packers, whether that be as a ball carrier, a pass-catcher, or in pass protection.
Any player with a well-rounded skill set will have the opportunity to carve out a role in some capacity, and if Dillon can pair that ability with added playmaking, his game could reach new heights in 2024.
“I envision going out there and balling out every time I’m on the field,” added Dillon. “Whatever that is, that’s for the coaches to decide. Like I said, I’m putting myself in the best position possible, in great shape, working, trying to lead, trying to cross my T’s and dot my I’s.
“Whether that’s special teams, running back, receiver, tight end, fullback, kicker, quarterback, I’m down to do whatever. I’m happy to be here. Like I said, I’m just going to put my helmet on and go to work.”