Panthers’ new RB reveals jersey number as a slight nod to a franchise legend while his play will remind fans of another standout player
Carolina Panthers veteran running back AJ Dillon announced on social media what number he will be rocking with his new team, and it’s one Panthers fans should be used to seeing in the backfield.
The Carolina Panthers made an underrated addition in free agency when the team signed veteran running back AJ Dillon to a one-year deal after letting Rico Dowdle walk and sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Panthers still have their clear RB1 in Chuba Hubbard and are excited to finally unleash former second-round pick Jonathon Brooks as the change of pace back behind Hubbard. Dillon’s power will help round out the team’s rushing attack.
Dillon has already embraced the culture of his new team and the city of Charlotte. After a lost season in Philadelphia, Dillon has a chance to become a fan favorite again with the Panthers like he was early in his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. And a latest announcement could help him gain more support from the fanbase.
Carolina Panthers RB AJ Dillon will wear #28, formerly worn by RB Jonathan Stewart
Dillon posted a picture on his social media on Monday showing his new locker in Carolina and revealed his jersey number with his new team. He will be returning to the #28, the same number he wore in Green Bay.
The #28 in Carolina was made famous by standout running back Jonathan Stewart, the team’s all-time leading rusher with 7,318 yards. Some fans will be split on that decision but Dillon’s not the first player, or even running back, to wear number 28 in Carolina since Stewart left the team in 2017.
While it’s a nice nod to a franchise legend, Dillon’s role in the backfield and style of play will actually remind Panthers fans more of Mike Tolbert. In his first two years with the Panthers, Tolbert had just 544 yards, but he also had 12 touchdowns and 55 first downs. Tolbert was a beast in short-yardage situations, and Dillon will likely be used in the same way alongside Hubbard and Brooks.
We all know by now that head coach Dave Canales is against using Bryce Young on QB sneaks in short-yardage situations, he even used tight end Mitchell Evans at quarterback for a sneak last season instead of Young.
After losing Dowdle, the Panthers needed a power back in those kind of situations and Dillon could be the second coming of Tolbert in Carolina while rocking Stewart’s old number in the process. I think by the end of the season fans will really be rooting for him.