By Ephraim Fischbein

A.J. Dillon has spent the past several years establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most powerful running backs. Known throughout football as “Quadzilla,” the 6-foot, 247-pound running back has rushed for 2,488 yards and 16 touchdowns during his NFL career, while adding 89 receptions for 784 yards and two touchdowns. After beginning his career with the Green Bay Packers and spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dillon is now entering his seventh NFL season with the Carolina Panthers.

But there is another part of Dillon’s story that makes him especially interesting to the Jewish community.

Dillon is proudly Jewish.

Growing up in Connecticut, Dillon attended Hebrew school and was raised with Jewish traditions and holidays. His mother’s sideof the family is Jewish, and he has spoken openly about how Judaism was a major part of his childhood. He has also discussed what it was like growing up as a Jew of color and challenging misconceptions about what a Jewish person looks like.

As his football career became more demanding, Dillon found that balancing Judaism and professional football was not always easy. The NFL schedule can make it difficult to observe holidays and maintain the same Jewish routine he had growing up, but he has continued to look for ways to stay connected to his Jewish roots.

In this special Jewish Vues interview, Dillon talks about growing up Jewish, attending Hebrew school, his family, Jewish holidays, being a Jew of color, balancing Judaism with the NFL and the importance of maintaining his Jewish identity.

What does being Jewish mean to you personally?

Being Jewish is a big part of who I am. It was a major part of my upbringing and my family. My mom’s side of my family is Jewish, and we grew up observing the holidays and participating in Jewish traditions. It is something I am proud of.

What was your Jewish upbringing like growing up in Connecticut?

My mom’s side of the family was very Jewish. All my life growing up, I was around Judaism. I went to Hebrew school and we observed the holidays. It was just part of our family and part of our lives.

Do you have any special memories from Hebrew school?

Hebrew school was a big part of my childhood. It was something that I did growing up and it connected me to Judaism and to my family.

When did football become such a major part of your life?

Football became a huge part of my life as I got older. Once I started getting more involved in sports, my schedule became much busier. There were practices, games, traveling and everything that came with being an athlete.

How did your family help keep you connected to Judaism?

My family has always been very important to me. Growing up, we did the holidays and traditions together. Those experiences stayed with me even as football became a bigger part of my life.

Have you ever experienced someone being surprised that you are Jewish?

Yes, definitely. There are people who have certain ideas about what Jewish people look like, and when they meet me they don’t necessarily expect me to be Jewish. I think that is part of why I am comfortable talking about my Jewish identity.

Do you feel that being a Jewish NFL player gives you a responsibility to represent the Jewish community?

I think having a platform gives you an opportunity to represent the things that are important to you. I am proud of being Jewish, and if talking about my experiences can help or educate others, then I am happy to do that.

Have you found ways to celebrate Jewish holidays while playing in the NFL?

It can be challenging because of the schedule, but I try to find ways to stay connected. Sometimes it means celebrating with family when I can, and other times it means finding another way to observe or participate.

How important is your family in helping you maintain your Jewish connection?

Very important. My family is a huge part of who I am. The Jewish traditions I grew up with came from my family, and those are things that stay with you.

What has been the reaction from teammates when they learn that you are Jewish?

I have been fortunate to have a lot of support. My teammates and people around me have generally been very respectful of my background and my Jewish identity.

What does it mean to you to be one of the relatively small number of Jewish players in the NFL?

I am proud of it. There aren’t a lot of Jewish players in the NFL, so I think it is important to embrace it and be comfortable talking about it.

What advice would you give a young Jewish child who wants to become a professional athlete?

Be yourself. You don’t have to choose between being Jewish and being an athlete. There will be challenges, and you may have to find your own balance, but you can be proud of both parts of who you are.

What would you like Jewish kids reading this interview to know about you?

I would want them to know that you can be proud of who you are and pursue whatever dreams you have. Being Jewish is something I am proud of, and I think everyone should be proud of their own identity and their own story.