Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon set a beyond-football goal for himself this offseason– to write a children’s book.
The 25-year-old, who’ll be entering into his fourth season in the NFL, achieved that goal and is now promoting his efforts while spreading the word about a labor of love that is intended to bring a bit more positivity into the world.
Titled “Quadzilla Finds his Footing,” the colorfully illustrated book is about a dinosaur named Quadzilla (taken from Dillon’s own nickname), who works to find happiness, self-acceptance, and success while also learning the value of teamwork and friendship. The uplifting tale came to light as Dillon, the son of a schoolteacher who grew up an avid reader and writer, became a new father and began searching for ways to pass on his own lesson in life to his son.
“In preparation of becoming a father, I was thinking about my legacy, things that I could pass down to my son,” Dillon said. “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.”
The book has, so far, met with nothing but critical acclaim.
“AJ Dillon’s Quadzilla Finds His Footing isn’t merely a book about football, nor is it just for kids,” commented sports analyst Jordan Schultz. “Quadzilla is a book that teaches us why it’s okay to be different. In fact, it teaches us why we should celebrate our differences. My eight-year-old daughter, Wren, was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. She connected to Quadzilla — and all the other monsters — in a way that she hasn’t with other characters in books or even movies. I can’t wait for more children to learn about this wonderful book and know they’re not alone, in what often seems like a world that’s too big or too busy to care about their differences.”
Dillon will be hosting a launch party for “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. Those in attendance will receive a signed copy of the book and will also have a photo opportunity with the NFL star.
Although the 2023 season is nearly upon us, Dillon is able to compartmentalize his priorities. When the time comes, Dillon will be all football and focused on helping the Packers take the NFC North. For the moment, though, this children’s book side project is his focus.
“Right now it’s great to try to inspire and be a positive role model for the kids who are looking up to me,” Dillon said, “including my own.”
