The Green Bay Packers are looking to make it back to the playoffs and hopefully to their first Super Bowl since 2010. If they’re to do so, running back AJ Dillon will be a key cog in that development. The burly but nimble former Boston College Eagles star tailback is part of a two-headed monster in the backfield behind reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers.
While attending a soccer match at Lambeau Field over the weekend between FC Bayern Munich and Manchester City FC, Dillon was set to attempt a “Lambeau Leap” back into the stands after fans cheered him to do so. That’s when the “misunderstanding” took place.
While on the tarmac of the field area a police officer grabbed him by his shirt collar and shoved him. As fans showed their displeasure for the cop’s actions he laid off and let Dillon, the Packers’ leading rusher in 2021 perform the leap. But the incident immediately went viral, as does everything these days.
Dillon tweeted out the following in response to the incident:
“I’m assuming (the officer) missed them telling me to come down.”
“The @GBPolice are great people and I’m glad we have them down for our games to keep us safe. Standing in the pouring rain with all those people, it’s hard to know what’s going on with just one. All good.”
How does the Green Bay cop not know who AJ Dillon is? pic.twitter.com/d75uJnxqO1
— Atlas2686 (@Atlas2686) July 24, 2022
First of all, how doesn’t the officer know who AJ Dillon is? Especially with GBPD providing field security there for Packers’ home games during football season. Secondly, while Dillon is taking the high road, there still was no need for the officer to grab his collar and shove him, which was totally unnecessary, and in most people’s view a tad bit excessive.
Dillon says he was told by security to come down and help get fans through the 30-minute rain delay. So what better than a trademark “Lambeau Leap”?
Packers CEO/team president Mark Murphy gave his opinion on the matter.
“Obviously a very unfortunate situation that occurred.”
GBPD Police Chief Speaks Out In Response To Dillon
Green Bay police chief Chris Davis issued a statement on the matter.
“It is clear there was a miscommunication between the officer and Mr. Dillon. The Green Bay Police Department appreciates the perspective and supportive words from Mr. Dillon. The Green Bay Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs Division has initiated a review of the incident.”
Running backs that gained 2+ yards after contact on at least 70% of their carries (PFF)
A.J. Dillon (77%)
…
Tony Pollard (73%)
Jamaal Williams (73%)
Joe Mixon (72%)
Elijah Mitchell (72%)
James Robinson (71%)
Sony Michel (71%)
Ezekiel Elliott (70%)— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 4, 2022
As they should, because the officer seemed to be overly aggressive with a star player for the Packers who goes by the nickname of “Quadzilla” for his massive quads.
Dillon Arrived Last Season: Touches Should Increase More In 2022
Dillon shares the running back workload with the electric Aaron Jones. They’re affectionately known around the league as “Thunder and Lightning.” Last season Dillon led the team with 803 rushing yards. The duo became the fourth in team history to eclipse 1,000 total yards from scrimmage in a season.
.@Showtyme_33 (1,190) & @ajdillon7 (1,049) became only the fourth RB duo in #Packers history & the first since Eddie Lee Ivery/Gerry Ellis in 1980 to both post 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage in the same season.#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/B9MzCJx6au
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) January 3, 2022
With the team trading star wideout Davante Adams this offseason, the belief is the Packers will lean heavily on Dillon and Jones. Meaning history is likely to repeat itself in consecutive seasons, barring injury.
