Beginner’s luck or hidden talent? Before this season, Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon had never played in a fantasy football league.
After tweeting during the offseason about his interest in getting involved in fantasy sports, the fantasy sports app ‘Sleeper’ challenged Dillon to join their celebrity fantasy football league. Dillon accepted, and the second-year pro recently won his league in his first year as a manager.
While the NFL prohibits players from gambling, the league permits players to participate in fantasy football leagues if they don’t accept prizes exceeding $250.
The prize for winning Sleeper’s “Sleeper Bowl” was a lot more than $250. Dillon decided to donate his winnings to local nonprofits. “I am starting to lay down my roots here in Green Bay. I’m a ‘for-lifer,’ as some of the guys on the team would call it. I’m one of the guys who wants to stay here year round,” Dillon told Green Bay’s NBC 26.
The Cancer Team at Bellin Health will receive $25,000 dollars. Not only is this cause important to Dillon because it’s local, but also because the running back has a personal connection to the nonprofit. Dillon’s soon-to-be mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer during the offseason and received treatment at Bellin.
Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center is the recipient of $10,000. The nonprofit assists local law enforcement, child protective services, and district attorneys in conducting investigations of child abuse and neglect.
The Green Bay community is lucky to have Dillon. While some questioned the selection of him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon has become a key piece of the Packers’ offensive attack, while also quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Packers fans can cheer Dillon and the team on in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. The number one seeded Packers will play the lowest seed that remains after this week’s wildcard round. The game will take place at Lambeau Field on either January 22nd or 23rd.
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