GREEN BAY – Now a published author, AJ Dillon is ready to take Packers fans along for the ride.
Green Bay's fourth-year running back is hosting a launch party for his new children's book, "Quadzilla Finds his Footing," this Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Johnsonville Tailgate Village on the east side of Lambeau Field.
Tickets are available on the website of Dillon's publisher, Orange Hat Publishing. Attendees will receive a signed copy of the book and photo opportunity. Online pre-orders are also available on the Orange Hat's website.
The book, written by Dillon and illustrated by Summer Morrison, tells the story of a dinosaur named Quadzilla, who loves to spend time with his monster friends but gets discouraged when he struggles to do their favorite activities.
To cheer Quadzilla up, his friends introduce him to the game of football. The exploration into the new sport showcases the value of teamwork, friendship and trying new things.
As the son of a schoolteacher, Dillon grew up reading and writing. However, it was the pending birth of his first child, Algiers "Trey" Dillion, that served as the impetus for Dillon picking up the pen to write a book of his own.
Quadzilla is a callback to Dillon's nickname, which took hold on social media after his breakout game in which he ran for 124 yards and scored two touchdowns against Tennessee in December 2020.
"In preparation of becoming a father, I was thinking about my legacy, things that I could pass down to my son," said Dillon, who shares a May 2 birthday with his newborn son.
"Although the story of my career and what I continue to do off the field hasn't been written yet, I thought it'd be a great project for the offseason and something that I'll be able to share with him and hopefully pass along the story of Quadzilla throughout our family for years to come."
Over the past three years, Dillon has become engrained in Green Bay and the surrounding communities. He and his wife Gabrielle helped raise $250,000 for House of Hope in Green Bay, while also teaming with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin last summer to provide 750,000 meals to kids.
During his time off, the former Boston College standout has developed an appreciation for the nearby Door County Peninsula, where he proposed to Gabrielle. The couple was married in Egg Harbor last August.
"Green Bay is home to me and my family," Dillon said. "I think it's very important to always help others if you have the ability to and it's something you feel strongly about. Right now, while I have the platform I do, it's humbling to be able to help and spread awareness on great causes.
"Being involved in the community is something that'll stretch long beyond my football years, however right now it's great to try to inspire and be a positive role model for the kids who are looking up to me, including my own."
The book launch marks the start of a busy month for Dillon, who's also hosting a football camp at Titletown on July 23. Three days later, Dillon will put his helmet back on for the first practice of training camp at Ray Nitschke Field.
