A.J. Dillon is gearing up to make a thunderous impact with the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, when he takes the field on September 4. After spending five seasons as a bruising running back with the Green Bay Packers, where he shared the backfield with Aaron Jones, Dillon’s 2024 season was sidelined by a neck injury. But the Eagles saw something special in the 247-pound powerhouse, signing him in free agency to bolster their already formidable roster. It’s not hard to see why Dillon chose Philly.
“Coming off a Super Bowl, with the best offensive line in football, and teaming up with Saquon [Barkley], a guy I’ve known for a long time—it’s a perfect fit,” Dillon told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. “I’m loving my role here, getting to know my teammates. Philly’s a great city with passionate fans, incredible food, and top-tier football. I’m pumped to be here and can’t wait for the season.”
But before diving into the grind of NFL training camp, Dillon sharpened his mind in an unexpected arena: the Chess.com BlitzChamps tournament. Competing alongside NFL stars like Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, and eventual winner Justin Reid—who also claimed victory in last year’s event—Dillon tested his strategic prowess. While his results didn’t meet his expectations, he laughed off the loss, noting, “There are some chess sharks in this league.” Undeterred, he sees chess as more than just a game—it’s a mental crucible that primes him for the gridiron.
“Football is as much a mental battle as it is physical,” Dillon explained. “At the NFL level, everyone’s big, strong, and talented. What sets you apart is how fast you can process information, recall scouting reports, and make split-second decisions. Chess trains that mental edge. It’s strategic, like football, and keeps your mind sharp while giving you a break from the playbook.”
Dillon’s chessboard battles weren’t just about mental prep—they also served a greater purpose. The tournament allowed him to raise funds for his charity, which he launched last year. “Playing chess, having fun, and raising money for a great cause? That’s a huge blessing,” he said. “It’s incredible to support something meaningful while doing what I love.”
A fierce competitor, Dillon isn’t one to rest on a loss. His subpar tournament performance only fueled his drive. “Next time, I’ll be ready,” he vowed. “I’m a competitor, and this lit a fire under me. I’ve got the Chess.com app on my phone, and I’m already playing exhibition matches in my downtime. Watch out—I’m coming to shake up the tables next year.”
As Dillon prepares to storm the field with the Eagles, his chessboard defeats are just another step in his relentless pursuit of greatness. With a mind honed by strategy and a body built for destruction, he’s ready to leave his mark in Philly—and maybe checkmate a few opponents along the way.