AJ Dillon, a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently shared his experience of attending a Donald Trump rally in Wisconsin during the fall of 2023. The event took place while Trump was still the Republican nominee for the presidency, and Dillon’s presence at the rally was notable given his recent recovery from a neck injury that had kept him out of football action. At the event, Trump took the time to personally address Dillon, calling him a ‘Green Bay football phenom.’ This public endorsement from the former president was a significant moment for Dillon, who had been sidelined for the 2024 season due to his injury.
Dillon’s reflections on the event were shared during a recent interview with Fox News Digital, where he described the experience as a ‘cool experience.’ He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the president and engage with fans, noting that such a moment is rare for any individual, regardless of their political leanings. ‘It was a cool experience. I had never met a president before. Cool experience,’ he said. This sentiment echoes the experiences of teammates such as Saquon Barkley, who had previously participated in a golf session with Trump before the Eagles visited the White House.
The rally in Wisconsin was one of several key events that helped solidify Trump’s support in swing states, including the state where Dillon originally played for the Green Bay Packers. The state had been a significant battleground in previous presidential elections, and Trump’s presence there was seen as an effort to maintain his electoral base. Other notable attendees at the rally included Hulk Hogan and Danica Patrick, while former Packers quarterback Brett Favre addressed the crowd, comparing Trump to his former team as a ‘winner.’ These interactions underscore the broader influence of high-profile public figures in political and social contexts, particularly in states with a history of being pivotal in national elections.